Red Cross to host volunteer training
Published 12:00 am Monday, July 22, 2002
In the aftermath of flooding in northern Minnesota, many people may be interested in volunteering to help victims in disaster areas.
The Red Cross is offering the introductory class for disaster volunteers 6 to 10 p.m. July 25 at the United Methodist Church in Dexter.
"All of the Red Cross disaster volunteers receive training to ensure we have quick response for all Mower County residents," said Elaine Hansen, executive director of Mower County's Red Cross.
The class will cover basic training in how to respond to a disaster. Volunteers will learn about the different tasks that are performed at a disaster site.
"It's an organized approach. That's how we have it work," Hansen said of disaster volunteer training. "Everybody whether they are from Minnesota, North Carolina or Texas responds in the same way."
Anyone who is interested in becoming a disaster volunteer can attend the free class and no one is obligated to become a volunteer after attending, Hansen said.
"It's the first step if they choose to be in the county natural disaster response group," Hansen said. "It gives them a good overview of how we respond to a disaster."
The first goal of disaster volunteer units is to meet local needs, but the Red Cross encourages volunteers to help other counties or states if they choose to do so.
"If volunteers decide to do more than that, we support them," Hansen said.
To volunteer at the national level, more training is required, such as CPR classes, which the Red Cross provides.
Those interested in the class must register and can do so until Thursday. To register, call the Red Cross office at 437-4589.
Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at :mailto:cari.quam@austindailyherald.com