Become a Disaster Reserve Volunteer

Earthquake in Haiti

International disaster responses are typically supported by each country’s local Red Cross society and International Red Cross delegates; therefore, we are not recruiting New York volunteers to travel to Haiti. However, those wishing to join the American Red Cross in Greater New York’s corps of disaster volunteers that serve on local and national relief operations are encouraged to complete a volunteer application below. As we position ourselves to include prospective volunteers in our efforts to support the people of Haiti, you may experience longer waiting periods as you seek to register for an upcoming Reserve Institute program. Please continue to check our website for opportunities to volunteer.

If a major natural or man-made disaster strikes our area, the American Red Cross in Greater New York will need 10,000 Disaster Reserve Volunteers ready to staff up to 100 shelters, and provide hundreds—or even thousands—of New Yorkers who may be forced to leave their homes with their basic needs—food, clothing, a safe place to stay, and emotional support.

The Disaster Reserve Program is designed for people willing to help others during major local disasters, like the 2006 Queens blackout, the 2007 Orange County floods and the 2007 tornado in Brooklyn. It enables people to be prequalified and pretrained so that they can provide immediate humanitarian assistance should a large-scale local disaster occur.

To become a Disaster Reserve Volunteer you are required to attend and complete a one-day Reserve Institute, or equivalent courses. After fulfilling this requirement, Disaster Reserve Volunteers must participate in a total of four Red Cross events (any combination of disaster operations, exercises, meetings and additional training) in a 12-month period.

At the Reserve Institute you will learn about the history, mission and principles of the Red Cross, become acquainted with Red Cross disaster response procedures and policies, and be trained to provide aid and comfort to shelter residents, who have been displaced by a disaster.

The one-day Reserve Institute is free, and lunch is provided at all sessions.

To become a Disaster Reserve Volunteer:

  1. Complete the online application (for Lower Hudon Valley, please click here)
  2. In My Red Cross (you will be provided with a username/password upon completion of the online application):
    a. Register for an upcoming Reserve Institute
    b. Submit information for a required background check
    c. Review our policies and procedures, including the Volunteer Handbook
  3. Attend the Reserve Institute


Upcoming Reserve Institutes dates:

Saturday, March 20
9:00 am – 5:00 pm