Important information for state employees

As a state employee you can respond to the scene of disaster if you're a certified volunteer for the American Red Cross. You may be granted leave from work with pay for up to 30 work days each year. While on leave, you will receive your regular rate of pay.

Your volunteer assignment might include...

Damage Assessment---volunteer teams make visual overview and door-to-door surveys to assess the boundaries of affected areas and the extent of damage.

Mass Care---volunteers help prepare, distribute and serve food and snacks to disaster victims in Red Cross shelters, through mobile feeding vans or at fixed feeding sites.

Casework---volunteers work directly with disaster victims, interviewing them to determine immediate and long-range needs.

Disaster Health and Mental Health Services---provide physical and mental health assistance in shelters and at other locations during and after a disaster (must be a licensed nurse or mental health professional). 

What you need...

It's really rather easy to become a certified disaster volunteer and eligible for disaster leave. You'll need to complete two core courses and one functional course.

Core Courses

• American Red Cross Standard First Aid (includes CPR)
• American Red Cross Introduction to Disaster Services

Plus, one or more of the following:

• Damage Assessment
• Mass Care 1: Overview
• Emergency Assistance to Families 1
• Disaster Health Services 1
• Disaster Mental Health

Contact the Volunteer Resources for more information
or call 253-2740 Ext. 2355