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Ready When the Time Comes (RWTC) is a program of the American Red Cross. The purpose is to prepare teams of corporate employees to be ready immediately to help in a time of a local, large-scale disaster. RWTC volunteers serve as “reserves” that can be called when disaster response requires more than the normal corps of chapter volunteers. Why is RWTC needed? Each year, the American Red Cross responds to over 70,000 disaster incidents – hurricanes, fires, storms, floods, tornados, explosions, etc. – serving those affected with shelter, mass care and financial assistance. The Central Maryland Chapter responds to three fires a day. This requires not only Red Cross employees and trained disaster volunteers but also specially-trained, quickly mobilized volunteers who can fill specific needs. RWTC is designed to recruit and prepare those volunteers. Companies partner with their local Red Cross chapter, recruiting employees as volunteers who then are trained by the chapter as disaster-response volunteers. Partner companies commit to making these employees available for service at least one day per year. When a local, large-scale disaster occurs, the Red Cross contacts their RWTC company liaisons, who then call their RWTC employee volunteers into action. The chapter then assumes responsibility for their deployment and management. What are RWTC volunteers trained to do? RWTC volunteers are trained in basic disaster response and will receive general orientation to the Red Cross, and Mass Care Overview which touches in areas such as: How do local RWTC Partner companies benefit? Partner companies benefit in a number of ways, including: What is required of RWTC Partners? Partner companies are asked to: • Sign a letter of agreement, the content of which is jointly developed with the chapter, which helps establish the partnership; RWTC volunteers gain vital training enabling them to assist in a large-scale disaster. Participating in the RWTC Program increases confidence, as well as involving employees in meaningful and rewarding volunteer work. Volunteers have the opportunity to make a real difference in their community, meet new friends, and learn new skills. If you have additional questions or would like to sign your workplace or organization up as a Ready When the Time Comes volunteer sponsor contact Program Coordinator at 410-624-2000 ext. 2028 today. |
National Founding Sponsor
Local Lead Sponsor |