The Disaster Action Team (DAT) at this chapter is a team of volunteers who responds to the scene of disasters to provide immediate disaster relief to those affected by the disaster and to emergency workers responding to the incident. Usually these incidents are structure fires but may also include flooding, building collapse, and other hazards. The immediate, emergency assistance that is provided may include lodging, clothing, food, and replacement of lost medical supplies.
1. DAT members are assigned to teams after completing the necessary training and indicating a desire to participate in this part of the Disaster Services Program.
2. DAT members are expected to be available during their assigned duty week. If they cannot be available, it is their responsibility to notify the DAT Leader or Assistant for their team.
3. When called for a response, the DAT member will meet the DAT Leader or Assistant with appropriate materials at the designated place.
4. The DAT Member will follow directions of the DAT Leader or Assistant for providing services during the disaster response. If the DAT Member needs assistance in providing those services, they will make sure to inform the DAT Leader. Services/tasks done at the scene may include:
• Mass Care feeding—snacks and drinks; larger incidents will be managed by the DMT Feeding Team Leader but the DAT members may help in the initial transition.
• Shelter set-up and initial staffing—while a Sheltering event will be managed by the DMT Shelter Activity Leader, DAT members may be needed to help with the initial set-up and transition.
• Health and mental health services
• Distribution of comfort kits and/or children’s supplies
5. After the response the DAT member will help complete any paperwork necessary for documentation of the response, including vehicle sheets and fueling receipts.
6. DAT Members are expected to follow the training and disaster exercise guidelines in this document.
7. DAT Members are expected to attend monthly DAT meetings. If they cannot attend, it is their responsibility to get the information and materials from the meeting.
Members should attend all required training within the designated timeframe. CPR and First Aid recertification guidelines are to be followed (at this time CPR needs to be renewed each year and First Aid every 3 years). Disaster Services courses should be reviewed and renewed at least every 3 years.
• Attendance at DAT meetings is required.
• Attendance at disaster exercises is strongly encouraged.
The DAT Leadership (DAT Chair and DAT Leaders and Assistants) may set up a more specific attendance policy to define active versus inactive volunteers. At this time the chapter volunteer policy is that a volunteer must participate in an activity, training, or meeting at least once each year to remain on the active list.
