The American Red Cross is hosting a “Disaster Bootcamp,” offering prospective new volunteers all the classes needed to become certified disaster responders in one weekend. The trainings are scheduled for the Greater Rochester Chapter, located at 50 Prince Street, May 12-14.
“As concerns over potential flooding on the Lake Ontario shoreline continue, it highlights our need to be ready to respond at a moment’s notice,” said Rosie Taravella, American Red Cross, Western and Central New York Regional CEO. “This ‘Disaster Bootcamp’ will help us build on our amazing volunteer team, and increase our readiness to respond to this situation as well as the over 1,400 disasters, including house fires, our Region responds to every year.”
The following classes will be offered at 50 Prince Street, Rochester:
· Friday, May 12, 6:30pm-9:30pm: Bulk Distribution Overview
· Friday, May 12, 6:30pm-10:30pm: Disaster Action Team Orientation
· Saturday, May 13, 8:30am-12:00pm: Sheltering Fundamentals
· Saturday, May 13, 12:00pm-6:30pm: Shelter Operations Exercise
· Sunday, May 14, 2017: Mass Care Overview (online; computers provided)
Anyone interested in attending the “Disaster Bootcamp” is asked to register by visiting https://volunteerconnection.redcross.org/?nd=intake&entry_point_id=5586&unit_id=949 or by contacting maryann.tozer2@redcross.org. Anyone unable to attend the “Disaster Bootcamp” but still interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer can visit www.redcross.org/local/new-york/western-central-new-york/volunteer for more information.
As flood warnings continue across the Lake Ontario shoreline, the Red Cross is preparing to provide relief as needed. Potential shelter locations are being identified and volunteers are on standby. The Red Cross is in constant contact with emergency officials across the region, and is ready to respond as necessary.
People should download the free Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of tornadoes, flooding and other disasters, as well as locations of shelters. The App also includes emergency first aid information and a Family Safe feature which allows people to instantly see if loved ones are okay. The free Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
