The American Red Cross will host a Disaster Action Team Camp (DAT) August 26 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Center for Community and Economic Development at Delta State University.
DAT volunteers across the nation provide relief to victims of disasters, such as house fires, tornadoes, gas leaks and other natural disasters. Volunteers are trained to respond to any disaster by providing emotional support, furnishing material aid and helping direct disaster victims to resources.
On-call DAT volunteers travel together to the disaster sites, assess the scope of the disaster, and if necessary, work with the victims to identify and meet the immediate needs of the displaced residents. During an extended response, DAT volunteers are also prepared to support the needs of first responders.
“Good community volunteers are so important, because only you know how to serve your own community,” said Lisa George, volunteer manager for Northwest Mississippi Red Cross. “We really want in-house volunteers because these are people locals know and can lean on. We’re expecting a good local turnout in hopes that the community will step up and volunteer to take care of itself in the event of a disaster.”
Registration for the training will begin at 8 a.m. This camp is free and open to the public. Online registration for the camp is available at http://www.meetomatic.com/respond.php?id=BBH46B. The CCED is located at 1417 College St. in Cleveland, on the outskirts of Delta State’s campus.
Attendees are asked to share this information with others.
The CCED was established in August of 1994 to create a proactive stance at the university to address major development issues facing the region. The center provides quality community service through management of resources and evaluation and support of grants and contracted services using highly credentialed teams of academic personnel and successful practitioners.
The CCED pursues excellence in its programs and activities as it seeks to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the Delta. The staff believes in the importance of education and the power of all individuals, families, groups and institutions to act collectively to meet the needs of their communities.
