What is Ready When the Time Comes?
Ready When the Time Comes (RWTC) is a program of the American Red Cross that provides volunteers from partner companies and community organizations to be immediately ready to help in the time of a local, large scale disaster. RWTC volunteers serve as “reserves” that can be called up when disaster response requires more than the normal corps of local disaster volunteers.
RWTC is a beneficial program for both the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana and partnering organizations. It helps the Red Cross build capacity to respond to local disaster, businesses build teamwork and employee morale, and communities become safer places to work and live. 

Why is RWTC Needed?
Each year, the American Red Cross responds to more than 70,000 disaster incidents – hurricanes, fires, storms, floods, tornados, explosions, etc. – serving those affected with shelter, mass care and financial assistance.  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.

How Does it Work?
Companies and community organizations partner with the ARCNEI, recruiting employees and members as volunteers who then are trained by the ARCNEI as disaster response volunteers. RWTC partners commit to making these volunteers available for service at least one day per year. When a local, large scale disaster occurs, the Red Cross contacts their RWTC liaisons, who then in turn call their RWTC employee volunteers into action. The ARCNEI then assumes responsibility for their deployment and management. Partners are not required to send volunteers. All assignments are voluntary. 

Questions or Comments?
Please contact Tolani Rasaki, program coordinator, at (260) 484-9336 or by email.