In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, the American Red Cross is recruiting new volunteers to assist with the response efforts. Thousands of Red Cross workers are currently in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia helping with the response efforts and the recovery will be a long process.
The American Red Cross Central and Southern Illinois Region will be hosting a “HotShot” training event for new volunteers on Friday, November 4, 2016 in Effingham. Registration is required for the “Hot Shot” training. To register, contact Pam Tish at (217) 428-7758, ext. 7478 or at Pam.Tish@redcross.org.
“HotShot” is a one-day training that will provide new volunteers with the skills needed to be a part of the Hurricane Matthew response. Upon completion of the “HotShot” training, new volunteers will be eligible to deploy to help with the Hurricane Matthew response.
“HotShot” attendees will complete two online courses that will introduce information pertaining to disaster services and care of those who have experienced a natural disaster. The first online course is the Disaster Cycle Services: An Overview, which discusses how disaster services helps individuals, families and communities prepare for disasters, as well as help them to respond to and recover from disasters. The second online course is Mass Care: An Overview and it will educate new volunteers on the multiple services that are provided to those who have been affected by disaster.
At the training, new volunteers will complete Shelter Fundamentals, which introduces the guidelines and procedures that are necessary for setting up, running and closing a shelter during a disaster. “Hot Shot” attendees will also complete Psychological First Aid, which will provide insight necessary to understanding the factors that affect stress responses in disaster relief workers and the people they serve.
If you have ever thought about becoming a Red Cross Volunteer, now is the time—the need is great. To learn more about Red Cross volunteer opportunities, or to register for the “HotShot” training, please contact Pam Tish at (217) 428-7758, ext. 7478 or at Pam.Tish@redcross.org.