With hurricane season fully underway and tornadoes, flooding and home fires an ever-present threat, the American Red Cross is asking the public to consider learning more about becoming a disaster volunteer this year.

“Having a trained, prepared, and ready-to-help team of volunteers is one of the most valuable resources a community can rely on when disaster strikes,” said Brenda Mead, Emergency Services Manager for the American Red Cross in Allen, Auglaize and Hardin Counties.  “Often, it takes a disaster, such as Hurricane Isaac, to remind people that volunteers are needed.”

In an effort to build upon the strong team of volunteers called upon to respond to larger relief efforts across the country each year, the Red Cross will hold Disaster College 100  Sept. 28-30 at the Allen County Chapter of the American Red Cross. The sessions are free to participants, but pre-registration is required.

The training sessions include:
o Friday, September 28, Disaster Services Overview, 6 – 9 p.m.
o Saturday, September 29, Client Casework, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., includes lunch
o Sunday, September 30, Shelter Operations, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

All classes will be taught at the Allen County Chapter of the American Red Cross, 610 S. Collett St., Lima, OH 45805. To register, contact Brenda Mead  at 419-227-5121, ext. 6, or email [email protected].