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Disaster services

Every eight minutes in this country a disaster strikes. It could be a single family fire or a large-scale incident such as a flood, winter storm, or hazardous material spill: any incident that creates human needs that cannot be alleviated without assistance. When this happens, the ARC is on hand to provide disaster relief whether that is shelter and housing, meals, clothing, emotional counseling, and personal care items.

Red Cross disaster services volunteers are organized in Disaster Action Teams throughout the Vermont.  While these teams provide rehabilitative services to firefighters and other first responders in the form of food and drink, even more essential is the work performed by these volunteers with individuals and families who are affected by disaster.  All victims are interviewed to determine their immediate, emergency needs and to provide emotional support during what is a tumultuous time.  The Red Cross primarily assists with emergency shelter, food, clothing, medical, and disaster mental health services. Additional support is offered to families affected by disaster by providing referrals to other community support resources.

Without dedicated volunteers the ARC could not perform its mission. They continuously recruit and trains volunteers to be prepared to provide relief services in our local communities. Volunteers are required to complete special ARC training courses that include:

• Disaster Services: An Overview

   (3.5 hours Pre-req for other courses)

• Shelter Operations (3 hours)

• Disaster Assessment Basics

   (2.5 hours)

• Client Casework (9 hours)

• CPR (4 hours)

• First Aid (4 hours)

Anyone interested in becoming a disaster volunteer with the Northern Vermont Chapter of the ARC can contact Randy Zeno at 660-9130, ext. 108 or zeno@nvtredcross.org.