American Red Cross will host disaster training workshop

The American Read Cross will host a natural disaster training session on Oct. 12. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for community members to join the disaster action team. Attendees will learn how to respond to the aftermath of disasters, including handling casework and assisting families.

Ashley Smith, community disaster program manager of the Indiana Region Red Cross Northwest Chapter, said they respond to approximately 65,000 disasters every year, including hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes and more.

"Today, we're responding to twice as many major disasters as a decade ago, and this requires a team effort," Smith said, "including dedicated volunteers to provide care and comfort to communities impacted."

Additionally, she said these natural disasters are becoming more frequent and intense as the climate crisis worsens.

American Red Cross volunteers give support during local and national disasters, but this session will focus on training the local disaster action team for events such as home fires, she said. After the training, volunteers will be put on the team schedule and work alongside a mentor to put the training in action.

Smith said volunteers are asked to sign up for two shifts a month, flexible to their schedules.

According to a news release, 90% of the Red Cross’ workforce are volunteers. The Indiana region serves 6.9 million people in 104 counties across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio through six chapters.

"Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Red Cross," Smith said. "Just like the people we serve, Red Cross volunteers represent a wide array of cultures, backgrounds, ages, gender identities, lifestyles and beliefs. Everyone is welcome."

The Red Cross is a large organization, and Smith said training in Indiana will also allow volunteers to help all across the nation.

"This means that you can always find an opportunity to continue volunteering with the Red Cross no matter where you live," she said.

The session takes place at the American Red Cross Office at 615 N. 18th St., Lafayette. Registration can be found online and attendees do not need to have prior experience.

"We support people on one of their worst days," Smith said. "It is so important to build community resilience."