The American Red Cross responds to home fires across the country every day, and we have responded to multiple fires in Muscatine County in the last six months. When a tragic home fire happens, the fire department is the first responder: they come to deal with the fire. They are there to save your life and try to save your home. The American Red Cross and our local partners are the second responders: we respond to YOU. We are there to comfort you, make sure you have a safe place to sleep, get you through the immediate crisis and then we continue to provide ongoing resources and aid as you rebuild your life. The local home fire response team, also called the Disaster Action Team, is made up of 2-3 local volunteers who respond to the call when a fire is reported to the Red Cross. This could happen at any time. We provide free online training and support and we have a network of other volunteers to help each other. The more volunteers are available in Muscatine County, the faster we can respond to a local family in need.
If you are caring, compassionate, and action-oriented, this is a great volunteer opportunity for you! You will be the best thing that happens on the worst day of a neighbor's life. They'll never forget that you showed up to provide help and hope.
The Red Cross currently requires all volunteers who perform in-person tasks to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Our home fire responders show up in person. However, there are some important support roles that can be performed virtually from your home phone and computer, and we are always grateful for our virtual volunteers too. So whatever your own vaccination status, if you want to help, let us know! We'd love to have you join us.
If you are interested in learning more or ready to apply, please contact Connie at 309-207-5266 or email connie.dudgeon@redcross.org.
