They say, “practice makes perfect.” And dozens of American Red Cross volunteers had the opportunity to do just that as they perfected their skills during a disaster simulation exercise held in Contra Costa County in September. The scenario was centered around how to operate a shelter in the wake of a major earthquake should one hit the San Francisco Bay Area.

Trainings like this allow new and seasoned volunteers to be ready to deploy as needed, locally and across the nation. Nearly a month later, more than 2,000 Red Cross disaster responders, including more than 55 volunteers from the Northern California Coastal Region, put their skills to the test by helping those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

While disaster simulation training coordinated between the Red Cross and local government partners happens frequently, this was the first time the regional communications team of the Red Cross was able to participate during the exercise.

In addition to the communications team’s activities such as taking photos, writing stories, and interacting with the media, Red Cross volunteers learned how to take care of people who would come to a shelter for food, sleeping quarters, comfort, health care, or simply to charge their phones. Red Crossers practiced alongside people from organizations including the Contra Costa County Office of Emergency Services, the Community Animal Response Team, the Employment and Health Services Department, the Medical Reserve Corps and the City of Richmond, where the simulation took place. “I think it was useful for people to see a mini-shelter and practice,” said Alex Keilty, a Red Cross communications volunteer of two-and-a-half years. “I hope it gave everyone confidence to feel like they could do it in real life if, or when, we get hit with the next disaster here.”

People of all ages and abilities sign up to be trained as Red Cross volunteers. The common denominator is their commitment to preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies, and to being part of a dedicated team, whether during an actual disaster or a simulation.

“The best part for me was just being together,” said Virginia Becker, who has been a Red Cross volunteer for more than a decade.

You too can put on a red vest and join the Red Cross as a volunteer. Visit https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html to find out how you can support communities locally and across the country.