Disaster Services

Disaster Action Team Members         Click here to view the DAT Bulletin                         Board & latest Schedlue

Responding to Your Disaster

Did you know that American Red Cross disaster volunteers respond to emergencies whenever and wherever they strike 365 days a year? Mission-focused volunteers work to ensure that emergency or disaster-related needs of the community are being met.

When a disaster strikes, Red Cross volunteers are on the scene providing shelter, food, assistance for new clothing and replacement medications and counseling -- caring relief, day and night.  If needed, they set up disaster shelters, conduct damage assessments, meet the immediate needs of disaster victims - services which are provided on a person to person basis.

Volunteers can also support the efforts of the Red Cross in disaster-affected areas nationwide by assisting those affected across the country. For more information on how to be prepared for a disaster:

Partnership Opportunities in Disaster Services
Is your organization or business interested in partnering with the Red Cross during times of disaster?
Click Here

Volunteering in Disaster Services

Online Course: Introduction To Disaster Services - Click here

Disaster Courses for Volunteers: 
The following disaster training classes are available to Red Cross volunteers to prepare you to assist those impacted by a disaster:

• Disaster Action Team Orientation
• Mass Care (Feeding & Sheltering)
• Shelter Operations
• Shelter Simulation
• Assessing Disaster Caused Needs
• Client Casework (issuing financial assistance)
• Disaster Mental Health (for Mental Health Professionals)
• Disaster Health Services (for Health Care Professionals)
• Supervision on a Disaster
• Shelter Manager Orientation
• Diversity in a Disaster
• Spiritual Care Partners Orientation
• Psychological First Aid
• Working with Partners in Times of Disaster
• Operating Disaster Response Vehicles

Other Programs of the Disaster & Emergency Services Department

Services to Armed Forces: Emergency communications and assistance to members of the armed forces and their families.

International Social Services: Locating relatives separated during disasters or wars; provides relief assistance in armed conflicts, and educates about international humanitarian law.

Red Cross/RG&E Heating Fund: Seasonal programs that provide assistance to eligible families with heating emergencies or rent/mortgage expenses.  



Homeland Security Training
The Homeland Security Management Institute (HSMI) at Monroe Community College is a resource for communities and their first responders for the national agenda of homeland security. Click here for their website.


Click on the logo at left to find out more about the Monroe County and Greater Rochester Chapter of the American Red Cross joint venture in community preparedness.


211 - The local call center with specialists trained to provide you information and referrals to human services that best address your needs.