With a destructive wildfire season out West upon us and a very active second half of hurricane season expected, the American Red Cross has launched a disaster ready volunteer recruitment program. Volunteers could support local or national emergencies.
“As we prepare for another extremely busy disaster season, it is critical to have a trained, ready volunteer workforce to make sure we can provide relief at a moment’s notice,” said Mary Barneby, Regional CEO, American Red Cross in Greater NY. “This year’s wildfire season is already very active and dangerous because of the severe drought and dry woodlands across the west. And experts have predicted we could see 10 or more hurricanes impact the United States in the upcoming weeks.”
SHELTER VOLUNTEERS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS NEEDED
The Red Cross needs new volunteers to support disaster shelters. Volunteers will help with reception, registration, food distribution, dormitory, information collection and other vital tasks inside disaster shelters.
The Red Cross also needs volunteers who can work in disaster shelters to address people’s health needs and provide hands-on care in alignment with their professional licensure (registered nurse and licensed practical nurse/licensed vocational nurse). Daily observation and health screening for COVID-19-like illness among shelter residents may also be required. We have both associate and supervisory level opportunities available. If you are an RN, LPN, LVN, APRN, NP, EMT, paramedic, MD/DO or PA with a current and unencumbered license, this position could be right for you.
After most disasters this year, the Red Cross plans to open group shelters. However, in some communities, hotels may be more appropriate if the risk of COVID-19, including the delta variant, is particularly high. The Red Cross will also continue many of the safety precautions implemented in 2020, including masks, health screenings, enhanced cleaning procedures and encouraging social distancing.
Training, all of which can be completed virtually, varies from four hours for certain shelter positions to more for specialized or supervisory roles.
If you want to make a difference and are interested in helping your community should a disaster occur here at home or across the country, please contact the local Red Cross volunteer recruitment team by emailing recruitmentgny@redcross.org or calling 646-875-8051.