Volunteering For The Red Cross Disaster Services?

Question

I'm interested in volunteering for the Disaster Services division of the Red Cross. How is it working for this division? What's a typical day in the field like? Volunteers need only reply..Thanks!

I'd like to hear the opinions of others that don't answer the phone at the Red Cross and are non-biased.

Answer 1

I think that it is great that you want to volunteer for the Disater Service branch of the Red Cross.

You won't find a typical day in the field. It varies from day to day and from emergency/disaster. Lets say you live in an area where there is a lot of tornados. Now lets say you were called out on 3 of these tornados Each time you went out you would have different experiences and different jobs to do. One time you may be helping with search and rescue in the field. Another they may need you at the temporary shelter passing out food and blankets and making phone calls. You have to be committed to being a volunteer with them. When diaster strikes you are going to have to put your family to the side and concentrate on helping other families. You can be called out any time day or night.
I hope that this answered some of your questions. For a more detail description and for qualifications that you may need contact your local chapter of the Red Cross

Answer 2

Why don't you call the American Red Cross chapter close to your home and get the answer from them. If they do not have the information get a phone number of the service which can answer your question. Calling the Red Cross should give you more coverage than using the internet.

Answer 3

I have to second the other answerer -- call the local Red Cross, go to their official orientation, and when you meet other volunteers, ASK them about their experiences -- that's the best way to meet current red cross volunteers (not on YahooAnswers).

Every Red Cross chapter is different -- if someone answers here about their experience in a different city and state, how do you know it's going to be anything like what you are going to experience in your location?