When fire tore through an Iron Mountain apartment building May 17, the American Red Cross quickly was on site to assist displaced tenants.

It demonstrated the crucial role the Red Cross plays in times of emergencies.

Now, the agency is turning to the public for help.

In a news release, the American Red Cross of Wisconsin — which also serves parts of the Upper Peninsula — put out a call for Disaster Action Team volunteers.

“There is a critical need for disaster volunteers in our Northeast and North Central Wisconsin chapters, particularly in the eight counties we serve in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan: Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Menominee and Ontonagon.”

Most of the 60,000 emergencies the Red Cross responds to each year are local, smaller disasters such as home fires, the agency states.

“As a DAT volunteer, you’re trained and ready to respond to these emergencies. From offering a shoulder to cry on, to meeting any immediate needs for food, shelter, clothing or supplies, to connecting people with long-term recovery services, our volunteers ensure that families don’t have to face tough times alone,” the Red Cross states in the news release.

Volunteers make up more than 90% of the Red Cross workforce and their support makes it possible to provide relief and comfort for disaster victims whenever and wherever needed.

“Across the country, the Red Cross is responding to nearly twice as many large disasters as we did a decade ago,” said Rebecca Rockhill, executive director for the Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter. “This uptick in responses means we need more volunteers. If volunteering is something you have been thinking about doing, you are needed now more than ever.”

As an example, the Red Cross introduced DAT volunteers John and Lynne Wilson of Iron Mountain. After retiring in 2010, they were looking for something meaningful to do together, which led them to the Red Cross. Fourteen years later they are still volunteering and giving back to their community, according to the Red Cross.

“The Red Cross offers something for everyone and it’s an easy way to serve your community and help your neighbors while giving back,” John Wilson said. “You can do as much or as little as you want, they offer training (both in person and online) and they have caring people to answer all your questions. It’s a great feeling helping people in need.”

A DAT leader, Wilson said there is an urgent need for more volunteers to fill the Disaster Action Team. “When I started volunteering, the U.P. of Michigan had over 20 volunteers,” he said. “Now, they are down to three to cover such a large territory.”

Those who would like to join the Disaster Action Team or other volunteer opportunities can sign up online at redcross.org/volunteertoday, by sending an email to VolunteerWisconsin@redcross.org or by calling 800 RED CROSS (733-2767).