Every year the American Red Cross responds to more than 70,000 disasters, providing shelter, food and relief supplies to people affected by these emergencies.

This past summer New York and surrounding states were hit hard by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The major effects were due to flooding, a potential hazard in Northern New York with its many high volume rivers. The number of homes damaged or destroyed totaled over 6,000. The total number of shelters opened in New York State was 110 with overnight stays totaling 14,000. Over 166,000 meals were served and approximately 326,000 clean-up kits and other bulk items distributed. As in all Red Cross disaster response all services provided were entirely donation based and done without government funding. Of the over 2,100 Red Cross workers responding to this disaster, 93% were volunteers without quality service to clients would not have been possible.

While sheltering and feeding is what the Red Cross is known for, to get that job done requires people with logistics, administration and public relations skills. On a disaster some volunteers work directly with those impacted while others coordinate relief support with community and government agencies as well as corporate partners. You may see some volunteers driving an emergency response vehicle while others may be taking a shift in the county Emergency Operations Center. It’s possible to see volunteers coordinating with FEMA to arrange supplies to be distributed or ensuring that the communications and computer networks -necessary for efficient operation- continue functioning. All of the duties and different opportunities to volunteer during a disaster require training provided to disaster volunteers free of cost.

The American Red Cross of Northern New York is offering Disaster Services: An Overview, the core course for disaster volunteers on Tuesday June 5, 2012 at the Potsdam Civic Center Community Board Room in Potsdam from 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM. This course provides an introduction to the American Red Cross and disaster services helping participants understand how they can help their community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters.
No matter what your interests, the Red Cross of Northern New York can work with you to provide rewarding experiences and opportunities to utilize your talents, as well as training to help serve your community. Join our team of everyday heroes and feel a sense of gratification while giving back to your community.

To register for Disaster Services: An Overview call the Potsdam Office at
(315)268-0102