The American Red Cross responds to approximately 64,000 disasters each year and most are home fires. Red Cross Disaster Action Teams are the first line of care, comfort and compassion for those affected by a disaster.

In fiscal year 2018 there were 483 DAT responses in Kansas and demand for those services is rising. To meet those demands the Red Cross is making an urgent call for new volunteers.

No previous experience is required. Volunteers will be trained to respond to a scene of a disaster and properly assist those affected. The Red Cross is offering special disaster volunteer training sessions this spring.

Training sessions are scheduled March 12th and 14th from 1-5 p.m. at the Topeka Red Cross office at 1221 SW 17th Street in the capitol city, and on March 23rd from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Manhattan Public Library at 629 Poyntz Avenue. For information on those sessions, contact Sarah Wickham at Sarah.Wickham@redcross.org.