When Disaster Strikes, Disaster Duty Officers Answer the Call

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Imagine being awaken by smoke alarms in the middle of the night. You rush to get your family out to safety now that your home is engulfed in flames. You’re now standing outside of your house in your pajamas in the middle of the night with nowhere to go. Who do you call? The American Red Cross! On the other end of the phone is the Disaster Duty Officer ready to help you during one of the worst days of your life.

What is it?

The Disaster Duty Officer is a lifeline to people affected by local disasters, typically house fires. The Duty Officer is the first point of contact for those affected family members. They help by phone to give those families comfort, resources and hope. They also coordinate Red Cross volunteers to deliver client assistance cards to the families.

Requirements

• 18 years or older

• Training provided both online courses and hands on with experienced volunteers​​​​​​​

• Virtual opportunity - computer with internet service and a phone needed

 What Our Volunteers Are Saying

• "Being able to help someone in one of their greatest times of need is a feeling like no other" ~Charlie V.

• "I may not have money to give, but I have time." ~Taylor W.

• "It’s a wonderful feeling being able to help someone affected by a house fire, who literally, may only have the clothes on their back." ~Julie M.

How to get started

• Complete the online application at www.redcross.org/volunteer

• Or for any questions or to schedule a personal volunteer consultation contact:
  Eli Aguirre, Volunteer Recruitment Specialist
  Call or Text: 479-644-2938
  eli.aguirre@redcross.org