The basic role of DAT, according to DAT leader Luann Sorensen, is to provide food, shelter and clothing for disaster victims. DAT tries to get victims back on their feet as soon as possible. The Red Cross requested that Washington County recruit the volunteers to form a disaster action team. When a disaster occurs, the fire chief notifies the Washington County dispatcher that DAT assistance is needed. The dispatcher then pages Rounds or Sorensen.
Calls come at all times of the day and in all kinds of weather.
The employers of the DAT volunteers have been willing to give as much time off as necessary. Many times the victims will initially decline assistance until the shock wears off. The Super 8 Motel in Blair provides rooms at a reduced rate for fire victims. The Red Cross picks up the remainder of the tab. The Memorial Community Hospital Auxiliary Closet donates whatever the family needs.