What Is Ready When The Time Comes?
Ready When the Time Comes (RWTC) is an extensive network of well-trained volunteers from local companies and organizations that can quickly mobilize in the event of a local, large-scale disaster. RWTC volunteers serve as "reserves" who can be called up when disaster response requires more than the normal corps of Chapter volunteers. 

How Does RWTC Work?
Local companies and organizations partner with the Red Cross, allowing us to train their employees as disaster response volunteers. Partners commit to making these employees available for service for at least one day each year. When a local, large-scale disaster occurs, the Red Cross calls the RWTC partners, which then deploy their volunteers. 

What Can RWTC Volunteers Be Trained to Provide?
All RWTC volunteers take the Introduction to Disaster course and are trained to perform in one of these disaster relief functions: 

• Sheltering 
• Mass care feeding 
• Disaster assessment (as needed) 

The Chapter could also train RWTC volunteers in First Aid, CPR or AED programs. 

What Are the Benefits for RWTC Partners? 
RWTC partners report that the program raises employee morale and shows employees, clients and the community that the partner is actively involved in addressing community needs and concerns. RWTC also demonstrates to disaster victims and their neighbors that the partner cares and wants to help. Employees can volunteer without a major time commitment. 

Must RWTC Partners Send Volunteers When Called Upon?
No. All assignments are voluntary. 

Who Makes a Good Partner?
RWTC partners are large and small corporations, community organizations, churches, schools, universities and groups of retirees. They are organizations that want to give back to their communities. 

Who Are RWTC Volunteers?
RWTC volunteers are the busy employees of RWTC partners who want to make a difference in their communities without a major time commitment. Employees can also enlist family members who are over 18 years old to serve as RWTC volunteers. 

What Is Required of RWTC partners?

• Sign a voluntary Statement of Understanding, which establishes a working relationship between the Red Cross and the partner company or organization. This agreement provides the framework for cooperation between the Red Cross and the RWTC partner. 
• Recruit volunteers (according to a quota the Chapter sets). 
• Identify a 24-hour on-call contact whom the Red Cross can call when the RWTC team needs to be deployed. 
• Offer a training site for their RWTC team (or use the Chapter for training). 

What Are the Volunteer Requirements?
Must be at least 18 years old (if between 15 and 18 years old, supervised by a parent or guardian). Spouses of volunteers are welcome to participate. 

What Do RWTC Partners Get from the Red Cross?
RWTC partners' volunteers are recognized in Chapter and partner company newsletters, newspaper ads and promotional materials such as press releases and media pitches. 

Are RWTC volunteers deployed to national disaster sites or to disasters outside of the Chapter's service area?
No. RWTC volunteers are only called to disasters within their Chapter's service area.

Ready When the Time Comes Training Sessions - 
Wednesday, July 28th at 6 p.m. or Thursday, August 12th at 6 p.m.

There is no charge for the class, but participants must phone the Chapter and register.
To register or for more information call:

Carol Bensyl
American Red Cross - Collier County Chapter
239-596-6868