Story and images by Kate Walters, American Red Cross
I often hear that a lot of people don’t know exactly what a Disaster Action Team (DAT) does. No two DAT responses are the same, but the American Red Cross always sends a team when called upon to provide comfort to people in their time of need. Today, that was a family of four whose home had just been destroyed by fire. Robin and Sidonna Webb and their two children were forced to contend with the early morning subzero temperatures outside of Florissant, Colorado, in the high country of Southeastern Colorado.
After Humane Society of The Pikes Peak Region brought 5 of the dogs to their shelter, the family was ready to head over to the hotel where they will stay with two puppies and a turtle while they work on their next steps toward recovery. Red Cross volunteers met with the family, making sure they had access to medication and glasses. They explained that the Red Cross has financial support available to them that has been donated by fellow Americans. They talked to the family about how to care for the children during this trying time. They explained that a counselor with experience helping people after a disaster would contact them within a few days, along with a caseworker to help them connect with local resources during their recovery process.
In the meantime, one volunteer headed over to the local veterinary clinic, Compassion Animal Hospital, which generously donated a case of dog food, leashes and dishes for the puppies. “It’s hard to see people in such a hard place, I’m just glad to be part of a team that can help people start to put their lives back together”, said Kate Walters, DAT Supervisor. As the Red Cross team leaves the hotel where the family will stay for a few days, they know that they have fulfilled the mission of providing comfort to a family on what may be their darkest day.