Red Cross seeking volunteers willing to be deployed as shelter volunteers
In a proactive move to help those affected by Hurricane Irma, the American Red Cross Western Pennsylvania Region is putting out a call to people willing to be trained and deployed as shelter volunteers.
“We don’t know the extent of the storm and what’s going to happen,” said Dan Tobin, director of marketing and communications with the Red Cross. “I always say, ‘Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.”‘
Volunteers must be 18 years old, pass a criminal background check, complete a health status record and be able and willing to accept a deployment for two to three weeks. They must be able to work 12-hour shifts while deployed.
Volunteers must also attend a free, three-hour training course. The Red Cross is holding 13 sheltering boot camps over throughout the 28-county region, starting this Saturday. Advance registration is required.
Several courses will be offered at the Red Cross office in Greensburg, located at 351 Harvey Ave. They are 2-5 p.m. Saturday, 6-9 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday.
Several courses are also being offered at the Red Cross office in Pittsburgh at 2801 Liberty Ave. They are 1-4 p.m. Saturday, 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, and 6-9 p.m. Thursday.
To register or for more information, including other training locations, visit redcrosswpa.blogspot.com.