Disaster Services Classes

The following disaster response training courses are open to the public but are designed primarily for those individuals wishing to begin or continue training for the local Disaster Action Team (DAT) or the National Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) System. All courses are free of charge and subject to change.

So that we can have sufficient training materials, please register at least one week prior to the class. Unless otherwise noted, classes will be held at the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross in Tallahassee, Florida.

Click here to view our Training Schedule

Prior to registering for any disaster response training courses, all prospective disaster volunteers must have completed a volunteer application, basic background check and attend the “New Volunteer Orientation” hosted by  our Volunteer Coordinator, Susan Haist.  Please contact the chapter (850) 878-6080 for the next Orientation Class.

Upon completion of the orientation, you can register for a disaster response training class by contacting  the chapter Associate Office (850) 878-6080 x 5616

Below are descriptions of the most common courses we provide:

• Disaster Services An Overview: This course is an overview of American Red Cross Disaster Services, providing information about the history of the Red Cross and the programs and services that we provide for persons affected by disasters.  This class replaces Introduction to Disaster Services and Fulfilling Our Mission.  It is a prerequisite for all other disaster courses. 
• ERV: Ready, Set, Go!:This training will instruct volunteers on how we use our Emergency Response Vehicle during times of disaster; as well as giving each participant an opportunity to get behind the wheel!
  • Recommended Training:
    • Disaster Services An Overview
    • Mass Care: An Overview
• Shelter Operations: Shelter Operations course will help volunteers understand the procedures of a shelter worker during a disaster relief operation from beginning to end. This class is typically paired with Shelter Simulation which gives shelter workers hands on experiences on how to set up, manage and break down a shelter.
  • Recommended Training:
    • Disaster Services An Overview
    • Mass Care An Overview
    • Shelter Simulation
• Mass Care: This course will aid volunteers in understanding the mass care operations of the Red Cross during a disaster. It will include infomration regarding feeding, mobile feeding and sheltering. 
  • Recommended Training
    • Disaster Services An Overview
    • Mass Care: An Overview
    • Shelter Operations
    • Shelter Simulation
• Disaster Assessment: The Disaster Assessment team determines the size and scope of a disaster and the level of damage sustained by dwellings within the affected area. Develops and distributes statistical data related to the effects of a disaster and demographics of affected populations.
  • Recommended Training:
    • Disaster Services An Overview
• Client Services – Client Services delivers emergency financial assistance to affected individuals and families, and refers persons affected by the disaster to the resources of government and/or non-government agencies.
  • Recommended Training:
    • Disaster Services An Overview
    • Client Casework: Providing Emergency Assistance
• Logistics - Logistics procures and distributes supplies and materials required for a disaster relief organization; establishes and operates warehouses; programs and manages all vehicles used on or in support of the operation; establishes a courier and shuttle service; acquires and maintains facilities.
  • Recommended Training:
    • Disaster Services An Overview
    • Logistics: An Overview
    • Logistics Simulation
• Liaison – Our Liaisons establish and maintain working relationships between the chapter and other local organizations that would facilitate recovery. Examples include other American Red Cross chapters, labor unions, non American Red Cross voluntary agencies, and human interest organizations such as elder and minority interest groups.
  • Recommended Training
    • Disaster Services An Overview
    • Collaborating To Ensure Effective Service Delivery
• Public Affairs – Public Affairs provides information about American Red Cross services available to people affected by disasters; provides information to the general public about Disaster Relief, serves as liaison with all media, and provides general public affairs support to the operation.
  • Recommended Training:
    • Disaster Services An Overview
    • Public Affairs I
• Staffing - Staffing recruits, places, administers, supports, and recognizes paid and volunteer staff, usually from outside the affected units assigned to the operation.
  • Recommended Training:
    • Disaster Services An Overview
• Health Services – Health Services delivers American Red Cross health services on a Disaster Relief Operation. Arranges for emergency and/or additional assistance in meeting individual or family health needs, provides health services staff in American Red Cross shelters and other facilities, provides health care for staff assigned to disaster operations.
  • Recommended Training
    • Disaster Services An Overview
    • Health Services Response
• Mental Health Services – Mental Health Services delivers services on a disaster operation. Works with and assists local community mental health providers in ensuring that appropriate human and material resources are available to meet the emergency and/or long term emotional needs of the affected individuals, families, and communities. Identifies and meets the disaster related mental health needs of disaster workers and their families.
  • Recommended Training:
    • Disaster Services An Overview
    • Disaster Mental Health Services