One day of training, a lifetime of rewards!

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 aid and comfort to thousands of New Yorkers who may be forced to leave their homes.

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 recent tornado in Brooklyn. It enables people to be pre-qualified and pre-trained so that they can provide immediate humanitarian assistance when a major local disaster strikes.

To become a Disaster Reserve Volunteer you will be required to attend and complete a one-day Reserve Institute, or equivalent courses. Once onboard, Disaster Reserve Volunteers will be expected to 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 gain an understanding of the history, mission and principles of the Red Cross, become acquainted with Red Cross disaster response procedures and policies, and learn how to comfort people affected by disasters at a shelter. The Reserve Institute is free and lunch is provided at all one-day Reserve Institute sessions.

Here's a schedule of upcoming Reserve Institutes:

American Red Cross in Greater New York
520 West 49th Street, New York, NY 10019
(between 10th & 11th Avenues)

Sunday, April 6
9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday, April 26
9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday, May 10
9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday, June 8
9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday, June 28
9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Monticello High School
39 Breakey Avenue
Monticello, NY 12701

Saturday, May 17
9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Start the process now:

Step One – Complete the online application

Step Two – Register for Reserve Institute

Step Three – Complete the background check required of all Red Cross volunteers and employees.

Step Four – Attend the Reserve Institute

Click Here to Get Started Now >>