NW Red Cross volunteers head where storms threaten
As we reach the peak of hurricane season, several powerful and potentially destructive storms are currently threatening to impact thousands of people in the United States and nearby countries.
In order to be ready to assist in the relief efforts related to these potential disasters, the local Red Cross Cascades Region (serving Oregon and Southwest Washington) is recruiting volunteer disaster responders. People interested in volunteering for the Red Cross as a disaster responder are encouraged to attend one of seven training sessions taking place across the region this week.
Thirteen Red Cross disaster responders from Beaverton, Bend, Clatskanie, Gold Beach, North Plains, Portland, Salem, St. Helens, Oregon, and Longview and Vancouver, Washington, are already either on the ground or on their way to Hawaii, North Carolina and South Carolina to assist with hurricane preparations.
Officials say Carrie Sammons of Bend headed to Hawaii, where Tropical Storm Olivia threatens.
In coordination with government and community partners, Red Crossers are preparing strategic shelter and warehouse locations, and stocking food, cots, blankets and other relief supplies to help people in harm’s way.
The local Red Cross is seeking volunteers to help with Hurricanes Florence and Olivia, as well as other disasters. At volunteer training sessions this week, Red Cross staff will present an overview of disaster deployment basics, and new volunteers will have the opportunity to speak with Red Cross workers, learn about volunteer opportunities and sign up to volunteer on site. No RSVP is required.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018 – SALEM
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Red Cross Salem Office
675 Orchard Heights Rd NW
Salem, OR 97304
Wednesday, September 12, 2018 – ROSEBURG
1 – 4 p.m.
Red Cross Roseburg Office
1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd.
Roseburg, OR 97471
Thursday, September 13, 2018 – VANCOUVER
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Red Cross Vancouver Office
5109 NE 82nd Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98662
Thursday, September 13, 2018 – ST. HELENS
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
OSU Extension Center
505 N Columbia River Hwy.
St. Helens, OR 97051
Friday, September 14, 2018 – BEND
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Red Cross Bend Office
815 SW Bond St.
Bend, OR 97702
Friday, September 14, 2018 – PORTLAND
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Red Cross Portland Office
3131 N. Vancouver Ave
Portland, OR 97227
Friday, September 14, 2018 – MEDFORD
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Red Cross Medford Office
1050 Crater Lake Ave.
Medford, OR 97504
MAKE A DONATION The Red Cross depends on donations to provide immediate relief. Help people affected by Hurricane Matthew in the U.S. by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS to make a donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.
DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY APP Everyone should download the Red Cross Emergency App to have safety information available on their mobile device, including emergency weather alerts, preparedness information and shelter locations. Red Cross apps are available in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
About the American Red Cross The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Cascades or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossCasc.
