New Volunteer Training for Hurricane Matthew Response
MOLINE, IL, October 21, 2016 —The American Red Cross is recruiting new volunteers and offering a special fast-track training option for individuals interested in deploying to help with the Hurricane Matthew response efforts.
The American Red Cross Central and Southern Illinois Region will be hosting a second “HotShot” training event for new volunteers on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 in Moline. Registration is required for the “HotShot” training. To register, contact Samuel Evans at (217) 222-2477, ext. 7304 or at Samuel.Evans@redcross.org.
“We have an ongoing need for disaster volunteers locally and nationally and this gives new volunteers the opportunity to be ready to respond much more quickly,” said Amber Wood, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Serving the Quad Cities and West Central Illinois. “Volunteering with the Red Cross is such an incredible experience—the feeling you get from helping others is just hard to put into words.”
“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 Samuel Evans at (217) 222-2477, ext. 7304 or at Samuel.Evans@redcross.org.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
