Most of the trained Red Cross volunteers they are seeking are skilled at managing casework for hurricane victims, which typically includes interviews and paperwork to determine immediate needs of disaster victims. Red Cross volunteers are then able to provide supplies and cash assistance for meals, shelter, clothing, diapers, clean up supplies and more.
The American Red Cross also asked for some trained Red Cross nurses, since most of the injuries from last season occurred after the storm passed. Also mental health volunteers are being tapped because of the emotional impact on affected residents.
“Many of our local volunteers have not only experienced relief efforts after a hurricane – but many of them were actually in Florida when the hurricanes hit last year,” said Mary Loftin, executive director of the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter. “So they are well trained to assist if needed.”
Just about three hours after the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter received the call, two volunteers stepped forward to drive a local emergency response vehicle to a staging area in Little Rock Arkansas. With bags packed for a three week assignment, Joe Mash of Ridgefield, Washington and Rob Pirie of Milwaukie, Oregon hit the road at 3:00 p.m.
Both started volunteering for the Red Cross after they saw the news coverage of the hurricanes last season. They provided relief during the aftermath of Ivan and actually experienced the wrath of Jeanne firsthand.
Last Thursday, a local Red Cross volunteer trained in communications flew to Austin, Texas. Vivian Hagood of Portland will set up equipment necessary to communicate with affected areas that may lose communication capabilities due to the hurricane.
Last year’s unprecedented hurricane season promoted donors in the Portland area to donate more than $255,000 to relief efforts. More than 60 local Red Cross volunteers were sent to help with damage assessment, casework, feeding, logistics, nursing, communications, public affairs and more.
Each year, the American Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters in the United States. Last year, more than 700 people were assisted locally as they recovered from local disasters, which are typically residential fires.
Disaster relief and emergency assistance happens thanks to the generous support of Oregonians who become trained disaster volunteers; make charitable contributions; and take first aid and CPR training to help save lives everyday.
To be a part of the largest humanitarian network in the world, call the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter at (503) 284-1234 or visit www.redcross-pdx.org
About the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Local Red Cross volunteers respond to residential fires and other disasters every 32 hours on average. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from Oregonians. Financial gifts help provide shelter, food, clothing, counseling and other immediate assistance to those in need. Call (503) 284-1234 or visit www.redcross-pdx.org.
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