Special to Atmore News
Hurricane season kicked off June 1. After two consecutive years of devastating hurricanes across the U.S. and its territories, the Red Cross is working to maintain preparedness. Last year alone, Hurricanes Florence and Michael caused damage totaling almost $50 billion – and Florence now ranks ninth among the most destructive hurricanes to hit the United States.
While large disasters like hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires typically draw national attention, each year, the Red Cross responds to more than 62,000 disasters across the country – the majority of which are home fires. Generous contributions from Disaster Responder members enable the Red Cross to provide services to people in need of assistance at no cost and regardless of income.
You can help people affected by disasters big and small by volunteering and training to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters.
Below is the Red Cross training schedule for Escambia County from now until September 30, 2019. The classes will provide specialized training to current and new volunteers so that they can support disaster work carried out by the Red Cross. All classes will be held at the Atmore Fire Department Training Room, 201 East Louisville Avenue, Atmore.
1. Course Name: Disaster Assessment Fundamentals* – July 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
2. Course Name: Bulk Distribution Operations* – August 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
3. Course Name: Disaster Action Team Basic and Casework Fundamentals* – September 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
* After each training session, there will be a 30-minute Disaster Action Team meeting, 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
All classes are free. To register in advance please contact Disaster Program Specialist Joseph Hilliard at joseph.hilliard@redcross.org or call the Red Cross at 251-544-6100.
To become a volunteer, apply by going to RedCross.org/Alabama and clicking on Volunteer. Choose the option labeled “Become a Volunteer.”