The American Red Cross has responded to nearly 2,000 home fires since the beginning of the year and provided assistance to more than 6,500 people. The agency trains Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers that are on the ground at home fires with local fire departments, and they are looking for more people to step up.

DAT volunteers provide emotional support, access to financial assistance, and information to help families begin to recover after a fire. Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Greater St. Louis Beth Elders says many people do not know the Red Cross assists families affected by house fires.

If you are interested in volunteering as a Disaster Action Team Duty Officer, go to redcross.org/volunteertoday. Duty Officers can also sign up to work remotely from the comfort of their own homes.