What is DAT? It is a Disaster Action Team.  Currently, there is a DAT team in every American Red Cross, Los Angeles district and community chapter.  They are composed of volunteers who have taken the required training and followed the student guide below. They respond to local emergency and disaster incidents.  The team provides emergency food, clothing and shelter to families displaced by a disaster.  The team can provide canteen services (food, water and snacks), blankets, comfort kits and other small items to survivors of smaller scale disasters if they do not have their own means. To find out more about DAT and becoming part of the team please visit the DAT info page.

Disaster incidents are given to the Red Cross by local government responders, generally fire departments and law enforcement agencies, clients, family or friends.  The call is generally through the Springfield Call Center or directly to one of the Red Cross district offices. The call must be verified by the fire department prior to activation.  Once the call is verified by the fire department the District Disaster Duty Officer will dispatch the on call team for the responsible district for that area.

• Regional DAT Manual – July 2011
• Regional DAT Training Requirements,01-2012
• DAT promotion-application