Disaster Action Team
Disaster Action Teams (DATs) are volunteers who provide immediate emergency services to those affected by a disaster. The Marinette-Menominee County DAT responds to emergency requests within a ½ hour. Typically, a disaster is a fire in a single family home. The DATs also respond to large-scale disasters such as floods, tornadoes and terrorism. In addition to distributing blankets, clothing, toiletries and other necessary items to people who have experienced a fire, the volunteers help people find a place to stay and food to eat.

Who is the DAT
DAT members are dedicated volunteers. They are able to be on call for designated shifts and respond quickly when called. DAT members volunteer for a variety of reasons and come from a variety of backgrounds including: Retired persons, Business owners, Students, Teachers, Postal employees, Painters, Carpenters ,Computer workers, Bank employees, and many others. Some DAT personnel have been helping for many years, others are just starting out. The average member has been involved with DAT for about 2 years.

What DAT Does
DATs respond to verifiable requests for emergency assistance. These requests usually come from the police department, the fire department, or from Emergency Government. Usually the response is to a single family disaster, however the DAT assesses the disaster to determine if a greater response is needed.

The DAT then goes to the scene to assist our clients ( those who have been in the disaster). We determine our clients' needs and insure that their immediate food, shelter, clothing, and emotional needs are met.

DAT Conduct
DAT members abide by the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross. These include: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Service, Unity, and Universality.
This means that the DAT treats all clients with equal respect and provides services based on need. Also, any communications a DAT member has with a client are confidential.

DAT Identification
All DAT members are easily identified by their clothing as well as by picture IDs. A DAT member wears a red jacket or red T-shirt and a white hard hat all emblazoned with Red Cross insignia.

The DAT in Our Area
Since our chapter serves counties, we have distinct DATs to respond effectively. The counties served have very different qualities. Marinette city has a population that is urban while the county population very rural character. The city of Menominee and the County are no different. Therefore, each DAT has customized its procedures for responding and scheduling. However each DAT does provide each client with the same professional level of service.