DART (Disaster Assistance Response Team)

What is DART?

DART stands for Disaster Assistance Response Team and was started to encourage more volunteer participation during major emergencies and disasters. If you sign up for DART, you will be contacted in advance of a potential emergency or disaster (i.e: to be on standby during an event that has the potential to result in a disaster), or following a major emergency or disaster when volunteers are needed. You will also be notified of trainings.

What is the goal of DART?

The more people who have diverse skills and are signed up to volunteer, the easier it will be to reach out and request assistance in times of need. NOTE: if you sign up for DART, you are not required to assist in a disaster--it just makes it easier for us to contact you to see whether you are interested and available. 

Why is DART needed?

When disaster strikes, we need to know what volunteers are available and what they are capable of doing. By connecting with volunteers in advance, we learn about their qualifications, as well as other skills and interests. In addition, it enables us to do a background check in advance, which expedites the volunteer check-in process during an incident. NOTE: Volunteers can only perform limited tasks during an incident if they have not had a background check. 

Who is eligible to be a member of DART?

Any individual who is 18 years of age or older (individuals age 12-17 must have signed approval by a parent or legal guardian). All applicants must fill out an application, possess a valid driver’s license or state issued ID, and pass a background check by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. 

What are the training requirements?

Volunteers, once approved, are asked to complete the following training to understand how incidence response is handled locally and nationally. 

  • FEMA IS 100 and 700 (free online training)
  • FEMA IS 200 and 800 (free online training)--recommended
  • Introduction to Emergency Management and being an Emergency Worker (classroom training). Note: If necessary, this training might be "on the job training" at the volunteer check-in location during an incident. 

IMPORTANT: once you have passed the background check, you are an official emergency worker. You will receive a vest and ID at your first incident check-in. Please note: per federal regulations, emergency workers are not allowed to volunteer in any area that is beyond their level of training or experience. 

For Current Volunteers: 

1) SAR, MLST, ARES, ACS, HEART, SLEET, and MRC volunteers, as well as SCSO Chaplains, are all pre-qualified for DART. Team leads will be contacted if there is a need.

2) SCOPE volunteers (including SIRT) are also pre-qualified pending approval by the Director of SCOPE; however, completion of the FEMA online training is encouraged. 

Training Opportunities

Diverse trainings will be made available to DART volunteers and volunteers will be notified via email about the details.

Online Application

If you have questions: 

Call Simone Ramel-Mckay at (509) 477-3006 or via email.

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