Few in the community have forgotten the events of the previous two years’ storms: the June 17 tornado in Austin that caused considerable damage to local homes and businesses in 2009, and the tornados that tore across neighboring Freeborn County exactly one year later and demolished not only houses and businesses, but cost the community two lives.

In the midst of these and countless other tragic events, the Mower County Red Cross credits its disaster service volunteers for their tremendous aid and comfort offered to the communities.

Disaster services is a team of trained Red Cross volunteers who assist both locally and nationally after natural and man-made disasters. They offer shelter, relief, and comfort for those affected by the devastation of loss of home, health or employment in the aftermath of these events.

The Mower County Red Cross is inviting anyone interested in joining the disaster services team to an introductory course in the program entitled “Disaster Services: An Overview.” The course is the first of just a few required training sessions to become part of the Mower County Red Cross’ disaster services team.

The course will be held on Thursday, June 30, from 1-4 p.m. at the Mower County Red Cross building (305 NW Fourth Ave., Austin). All interested individuals are welcome to attend. For more information, call 507-437-4589.

The purpose of this course is to provide information about ways participants can help their community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters. Participants also learn about volunteer opportunities at their local Red Cross chapter.