|
|
DATE: August 29, 2005
DISASTER SERVICES VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - AMERICAN RED CROSS TO OFFER LOCAL TRAINING COURSES
The American Red Cross is launching the largest mobilization of resources in its history for a single natural disaster. Hurricane Katrina, a deadly Category 4 storm, barreled ashore this morning along the Gulf Coast and has already begun to leave widespread devastation in its wake.
More than two hundred Red Cross shelters are housing thousands of residents who fled Katrina's wrath. All available resources from across the country, including thousands of staff and volunteers are being moved to safe areas, so additional relief efforts can begin immediately after the storm passes. Over 200 emergency response vehicles (ERVs) and countless other Red Cross resources are en route or on the scene to provide hot meals, snacks, bottled water and distribute other much-needed relief supplies to storm victims.
When Mother Nature is at its worst, the American Red Cross is at its best. Red Cross disaster relief efforts focus on meeting people's immediate emergency disaster-caused needs. When a disaster threatens or strikes, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, counseling services and other assistance to those in need. The Red Cross also feeds emergency workers, handles inquiries from concerned family members outside the disaster area, and helps those affected by disaster to access other available resources.
Red Cross disaster relief workers are neighbors helping neighbors. In order to meet the anticipated and ongoing demand for trained disaster relief workers, the West Shore Chapter of the American Red Cross is actively recruiting and training new volunteers to serve the needs of the disaster victims both locally and nationally. Classes are forming now for persons who wish to become American Red Cross Disaster Services volunteers. The current roster of scheduled classes is listed below:
"Orientation to the Red Cross," required for all new volunteers, will be offered on: Wednesday, August 31 beginning at 9 AM.
"Introduction to Disaster Services," will be conducted Wednesday, August 31 starting at 1 PM. This class is a prerequisite for all other American Red Cross disaster classes and required before any disaster volunteer may serve in any capacity.
"First Aid" will be held on Wednesday, August 31 beginning at 6 PM. Participants learn skills to treat scrapes and bruises to broken bones and burns. This class is being held specifically for disaster response volunteers.
"Mass Care: An Overview," offered Thursday, September 1 beginning at 9 AM., will instruct volunteers on basic principles of mass feeding, sheltering, and bulk distribution of emergency items in a disaster.
"Shelter Operations" will be offered on Thursday September 1 starting at 1 PM. Participants will learn how to set up and operate an emergency Red Cross shelter.
"Adult CPR" is offered Thursday, September 1 beginning at 6 PM. In this class, you will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, how to administer the lifesaving skills of Adult CPR. This class is being held specifically for disaster response volunteers.
"Family Services: Providing Emergency Assistance to Families," is an all-day class scheduled for Friday, September 2 beginning at 9 AM. Attendees are encouraged to bring a sack lunch.
All disaster training classes are free of charge and will be held at the headquarters of West Shore Chapter of the American Red Cross, located at 1644 W. US-10 in Scottville. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. For registration, or for additional information on courses and location, please contact the West Shore Chapter at (231) 745-4712, (231) 757-3069 or (888) 241-3433. The West Shore Chapter serves Lake, Manistee and Mason Counties.
The American Red Cross is a United Way Member Agency.
|
|
