Red Cross seeks new WNC volunteer disaster responders, offers training

Here’s the press release from the Red Cross:

Western Carolinas, Friday, June 14, 2013 — The Red Cross is offering a series of New Disaster Responder Boot Camps throughout their territory in Upstate SC and Western NC over the next few months. There has been overwhelming response to the boot camp concept which allows new volunteers to receive multiple training classes in one day. The boot camp scheduled for tomorrow, June 15, at the Red Cross office in Spartanburg is full but the organization has multiple opportunities available throughout July and August.

“The severe weather we have seen in the last ten days involving strong thunderstorms with damaging winds and some tornado activity heightens the need to have more people trained to respond,” said Tony Reid, Regional Disaster and Program Officer. “These recent storms as well as the threats that come with Atlantic Hurricane season intensify our need to bring in new volunteers to augment the existing corps so that together, we can expand the breadth and scope of services we offer to the community through preparedness, response and recovery.”

The Western Carolinas Red Cross is offering special training at New Disaster Responder Boot Camps. New volunteers can take three basic courses: Disaster Services: an Overview, Shelter Fundamentals and Disaster Assessment Basics. Once completed, the newly trained volunteers who have finished the application process, orientation and background check will be ready to provide shelter assistance on behalf of the Red Cross.

Upcoming trainings will take place in the following locations:

Greenwood, SC: Saturday, July 13, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at 520 Epting Avenue
Hendersonville, NC: Saturday, July 13, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at 203 Second Ave. East
Greenville, SC: Saturday, July 27, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at 940 Grove Road
Asheville, NC: Saturday, August 3, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at 100 Edgewood Road
Spartanburg, SC: Saturday, August 10, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at 131 East Main Street

Walhalla, SC: Saturday, August 17, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at 224 East Main Street

(Those who would like to sign up for the training can do so by e-mailing this address and indicating the location of the class, WCRDVMT@redcross.org)
“During large-scale events of human tragedy, I am often asked by someone what can be done to help…” said Ann Wright, Regional Red Cross CEO. “I tell them two things: one, contribute financially, which many people do; or two, contribute time as a volunteer. Either option is just as valuable to someone who is rebuilding a life after a storm.”

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.