Go where you are needed - Become a DSHR volunteer

Although many volunteers focus their efforts locally, some also choose to register with the national Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) system and become part of a nation-wide network of volunteers trained to respond to disasters in any part of the United States.

Red Cross chapters around the country recruit and provide training to local volunteers to enable them to serve on large disaster operations anywhere in the country when they are needed. As volunteers gain more field experience and formal training, they can be promoted from an entry-level "Technician" position in DSHR up to a leadership "Officer" position.

DSHR volunteers respond to tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and earthquakes whenever and wherever they strike. Volunteers may be asked to travel three blocks or 3,000 miles from home and commit to an assignment of at least three weeks.

Red Cross offers more than 20 focus areas where volunteers can apply and expand their skills. Volunteers must be:

• FLEXIBLE (ready to travel anywhere in the United States or to its territories with little or no advanced warning)
• ABLE to make approximately a three-week commitment to national assignments
• WILLING to live in adverse conditions and work long hours
• HEALTHY
• ADVENTUROUS

To become a DSHR System candidate, you must be recommended by your Red Cross unit of affiliation. You must also attend disaster courses. To find out about the requirements or to sign up as a DSHR volunteer, contact the Hurricane Hotline at (503) 528-5720.