About Red Cross Disaster Courses
Our Red Cross disaster courses are designed to prepare volunteers for working in disasters of all sizes. If you have questions about the courses below, please call To register, call 704.378.4643.
You can also view our course schedule on a month-to-month basis by clicking on the .pdf files below:
Bulk Distribution Operations
The purpose of this course is to prepare participants for the roles, responsibilities and tasks involved in setting up, operating and supporting Bulk Distribution operation in the chapter and on a disaster relief operation.
Available Courses:
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 2, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4643.
Client Assistance System
Introduces caseworkers to the role of data entry into computer system of client casework. CAS is an acronym for Client Assistance System. CAS software and reporting provide our organization a single system of record to support the delivery of assistance to clients. CAS expedites financial assistance and services to our clients, by enabling workers to deliver services from any computer with Internet access meeting the minimum system requirements below. It manages information about clients, their needs and the assistance we provide them following a disaster. It also matches disaster assessment information with client information.
Available Classes
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. March 25 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 2, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203.
To register, call 704.378.4643.
Requirements:*Requires Client Casework: Providing Emergency Assistance completion before taking this computer “system” class as you will be learning how to enter the client casework data into the system.
Client Casework: Providing Emergency Assistance
This course prepares Red Cross employees and volunteers to perform the tasks of an Individual Client Services casework service associate. Participants will be trained on how to conduct effective client interviews and provide appropriate assistance to help meet a client’s immediate disaster-caused or disaster-aggravated needs.
Available Classes
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mar. 20 at the Lake Norman Office, 200 Overhill Drive, Suite A, Mooresville, NC 28117
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 11 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4643.
Collaborating to Ensure Effective Service Delivery
Collaborating to Ensure Effective Service Delivery course is designed to prepare Red Cross employees and volunteers to establish collaborative relationships that contribute to coordinated disaster response and help to ensure inclusive and effective service delivery. This course will also prepare participants to begin conducting liaison activities in a chapter and establish a foundation upon which they can build toward a career as a liaison in the Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) system.
Available Classes
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 26 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4643.
Community Disaster Education
When a fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, or other emergency occurs in your community, you can count on your local Red Cross to be there to help you and your family. A key part of being Red Cross Ready is being prepared. The Greater Carolinas Chapter can provide several community disaster education seminars.
To view a list of these courses, click here.
DAT Workshop
DAT Workshop is an extension of Intro to Disaster by allowing the volunteer to attain training, knowledge, and implementation of skills needed to respond to a local disaster within an hour of notification, or when the site is deemed safe by the emergency on-scene command. This class is a requirement for all volunteers who wish to participate on a local team that is called out to assist clients after a fire, flood, or storm disaster event.
Available Classes
6-9 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Lake Norman Office, 200 Overhill Drive, Suite A, Mooresville, NC 28117
6-9 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
6-9 p.m. Apr 7 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4643.
Defensive Driving
Provides information on how to protect yourself and others while defensively driving on the road. This class is necessary for all volunteers who will participate on a DAT team or work within the Material Support Services branch which require driving the company vehicles.
Available Classes
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. March 17 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. May 4 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4643.
Disaster Assessment Basics
The purpose of this course is to provide a general overview of the tasks performed by Red Cross Disaster Assessment workers in support of a disaster relief operation and a local incident such as a single or multi-family fire.
The Disaster Assessment Basics course is not a replacement for the Fundamentals of Disaster Assessment (DSIMS200B) course; it is a complementary course developed for a different audience. This new course is designed for local community volunteers, primarily Disaster Action Team (DAT) members.
Available Classes
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. April 8 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4643.
DISASTER FRONTLINE SUPERVISOR (CLASS STUDY & SIMULATION)
The purpose of this course is to prepare supervisors to lead a team of disaster workers to deliver high quality client service and to create a climate that promotes worker satisfaction.
Available Classes
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 15 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4643.
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER/INCIDENT COMMAND LIAISON
The purpose of this basic Disaster Services course is to prepare Red Cross employees and volunteers who will be assigned to government and emergency settings to work collaboratively with Red Cross partners, helping to ensure a coordinated response that results in effective service delivery.
Available Classes
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 1 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4643.
•Collaborating to Ensure Effective Service Delivery
•Sufficient operations knowledge and experience to provide a functional understanding of the concepts, principles and procedures associated with disaster assessment, sheltering, feeding, the provision of individual assistance and the basics of operations management needed to participate adequately in the discussions and activities contained in this course.
ERV Class and Road Study
This course provides learners with the opportunity to learn about and use an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) and all related equipment. The course consists of two parts that participants must complete: an instructor-led study and ERV orientation and road test.
ERV: Class Study
6-9 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
6-9 p.m. May 7 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
ERV: Road Study
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 8 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4643.
Requirements:*Requires the volunteer to have completed Mass Care Overview (ARC 3068-1), have valid drivers license and satisfactory DMV report, and Defensive Driving Certificate. Volunteer must also come both days to receive credit for completing this course.
FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
The purpose of this basic-level disaster services course is to prepare Red Cross employees and volunteers to perform the tasks of a Financial & Statistical Information Management (FSI) service associate on a disaster relief operation.
Available Classes
Next Class - TBD
To register, call 704.378.4643.
FOUNDATIONS OF DISASTER MENTAL HEALTH
The purpose of this basic level Disaster Services training is to prepare licensed mental health professionals to provide for and respond to the psychological needs of people across the continuum of disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
Available Classes
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 27 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4643.
Requirements:Mental health professional with a current state license, to include: Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, A registered nurse (RN) with psychiatric nursing experience and training beyond the normal rotation required for a RN or Social Worker
It is strongly recommended (but not required) that all participants complete: • Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compassion into Community Action; Client Casework: Providing Emergency Assistance and Working With Total Diversity
FULILLING OUR MISSION – TRANSLATING YOUR COMPASSION INTO COMMUNITY ACTION
The purpose of this course is to enable participants to translate their care and compassion into community action, through a uniform message. The participants will be able to assess how to use their skills and abilities to strengthen the capacity of both the community and the Red Cross to better serve people affected by disaster. They will understand the mission of the Red Cross, the principles and values that support the mission and the expected behaviors of Red Cross volunteers and employees in the conduct of that mission and then will be given the next steps.
Available Classes
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 21 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4643.
Fundamentals of Disaster Assessment Parts I and II
Fundamentals of Disaster Assessment is designed to introduce the critical role of Disaster Assessment, explore related preparedness tasks, learn how to collect and communicate disaster assessment information, and become familiar with how disaster assessment information supports management and service delivery decisions. NOTE: This is designed for those individuals who are interested in being called on a state or National Disaster operations. If you are only interested in local level – the basics class is all you need.
Fundamentals of Disaster Assessment (DSIMS200B) is a blended learning course consisting of two components, online (DSIMS200C) and instructor-led (DSIMS200A). Successful completion of both course components is required to receive a certificate of course completion.
The online training component of the course (Part 1) resides on the Red Cross Learning Management System (LMS). It provides an overview of the Disaster Assessment activity and its related tasks. Because of many people who are unable to access the on-line portion from their home – we will offer an instructor led course for PART I as follows:
Available Classes
Next Class - TBD
(Part 2) the “official” instructor-led component of the course will reinforce and build upon content presented in the online component while providing participants with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and develop skills in Disaster Assessment through applied learning activities. NOTE: You must complete the on-line component BEFORE taking the Part II instructor led class.
Available Classes
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 23 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4634.
Health Services Response
Health Services Response is an instructor-led workshop designed to orient licensed or certified health professionals to the roles and responsibilities of a Health Services Service Associate when working on behalf of the American Red Cross to meet the disaster-related health needs of clients. These activities require workshop participants to apply their professional knowledge, experience and critical thinking abilities to the work-related challenges experienced by Red Cross workers who provide immediate assistance to clients in the aftermath of a disaster.
Available Classes
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 2, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 20 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 2, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4643.
Requirements:Prerequisites: Health Services Response is intended for Red Cross employees and volunteers with a current professional license or certificate to practice as a CAN, EMT, LPN/LVN, PA, RN or MD and who are interested in working in their relief operation and functions as health professionals within the Health Services Protocols.
International Humanitarian Law
This course is intended to raise awareness among American Red Cross representatives and general audiences about the Geneva Conventions, the basic rule of international humanitarian law, and the role of the Red Cross during armed conflict. Through a hands-on approach utilizing group activities, class discussion and multiple audiovisual aids, this newly-updated introductory course invites participants to reflect on their images and perceptions of armed conflict and explore the powerful and fundamental concept of human dignity even in the midst of the excess of war.
Available Classes
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 2, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4643.
Logistics Overview and Simulations
The purpose of this course is to provide basic information about the processes of Material Support Services activities in support of an American Red Cross disaster relief operation. Participants will learn about the skills, abilities and knowledge needed by Material Support Services workers and how they can become involved in their local chapter. Material Support Services is the activity that works behind the scenes to organize, accept, store, or transport goods and materials received by the ARC.
Logistics Overview - Available Classes
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 1 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. May 24 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
Logistics Simulations - Available Classes
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 190 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 2 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. May 25 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4643.
Requirements:*Requires participants to have completed Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Mission: Translating Your Compassion into Community Action (DSGEN200A) - Completing the New Volunteer Orientation with satisfies this requirement.
Mass Care Overview
This course provides an overview of the activities performed by the Mass Care group on support of a disaster relief operation. Participants will be employees and volunteers of the Red Cross and other agencies and community leaders who wish to serve or work with Mass Care group activities on a disaster relief operation. This overview demonstrates assisting a larger group of people, i.e. multi-unit fire, large-scale natural disasters, etc.
Available Classes
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 5 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4643.
National Deployment 101
Provides information for volunteers who are considering being deployed to a National Disaster to learn from a senior volunteer about deployment. This class is an information session where volunteers can hear first hand accounts from local people who have been deployed and gather valuable information on what to expect.
Available Classes
6-8 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
6-8 p.m. March 18 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
6-8 p.m. May 20 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4643.
Psychological First Aid
The course provides a framework for understanding the factors that affect stress responses in disaster relief workers and the clients they serve. In addition, it provides practical suggestions about what you can say and do as your practice the principles of Psychological First Aid.
Available Courses
6-9 p.m. Mar. 9 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
6-9 p.m. May 19 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4643.
Shelter Operations/Simulations
Shelter Operations is a class designed for learners to acquire knowledge of Red Cross policies and procedures for setting up, running, and closing a shelter during a disaster. Shelter Simulations allows the participants to apply what they have learned in various table top sessions from the previous training in Shelter Operations.
Shelter Operations
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 12 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
Shelter Simulations
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 13 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
Shelter Operations and Simulations
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 6 at the Lake Norman Office, 200 Overhill Drive, Suite A, Mooresville, NC 28117
To register, call 704.378.4643.
WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION/TERRORISM: AN OVERIEW
The purpose of this course is to provide basic information about the issues and safety concerns related to responding to a disaster incident in an environment involving Weapons of Mass Destruction/Terrorism (WMD/T). Participants will learn about the knowledge, skills and abilities needed by disaster workers performing duties in this environment.
Available Classes
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. March 22 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 1, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4643.
Requirements:*Requires participants to have completed Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Mission: Translating Your Compassion into Community Action (DSGEN200A)
Working with Total Diversity
This course is a skill-based training program that provides tools for achieving total diversity in our people, programs and services. It focuses on the critical skills you need to be effective in working with and serving in diverse communities.
Available Courses:
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. April. 23 at the Sadie Fowler Disaster Center, Classroom 2, 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
To register, call 704.378.4643.