The American Red Cross is Preparing Volunteers for Winter Weather and Fire Season

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In the wake of the recent winter storms–members of The American Red Cross are gearing up. They’re now training volunteers to set up emergency shelters in a fast and efficient manner. The Disaster Program Manager, Andrew Bogar, explained the type of training that was being conducted. 

“This is what we call a ‘no notice drill,’ sometimes in our training we’ll give everyone a heads up and get ready for it,” Bogar said. “This is a really good assessment of our capacity as an organization to respond as quickly and as efficiently as possible to an emergency.”

California is no stranger to powerful natural disasters and neither is the North Coast. With the 6.4 Ferndale earthquake; severe winter weather; and now fire season just around the corner– so, everyday is an opportunity for the Red Cross to prepare volunteers–whether new or returning volunteers.

“The reason we do this is the lessons learned from this are going to be implemented in the training that’s going to happen between now and up into the fire season,” Bogar said. “Which is what we’re really getting ready for, is that next disaster.”

Some local areas are not in the clear yet with the snow. Not only was Red Cross training this evening–they were already  in the process of transporting  resources to remote communities. 

“We’re supporting a community to the north of us,” Bogar said. “Getting resources ready to deliver food, water and blankets to the community that’s been impacted by our winter storms,” Bogar said. “Not only are we training here today– we also have a team of volunteers getting resources together and getting ready to hit the road.”

If you are interested in volunteering–contact: (707) 273-8481 or Andrew.Bogar@redcross.org