Free training to equip volunteers with shelter operation skills

When disaster strikes, Oklahomans generously respond to help their friends and neighbors who are suffering.

To help equip people with the skills necessary for disaster response, the American Red C ross of Central Oklahoma is offering a “Disaster Boot Camp.” The event is July 11-12 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City. Anyone interested in becoming a local disaster volunteer is invited to the free event. The only requirement is a desire to help those in need.

“Unfortunately, Oklahoma is no stranger to disasters, whether it’s a tornado, wildfire or flooding. People are so willing to help their fellow Oklahomans when they face the devastating loss of their home, belongings and sense of security. Our Disaster Boot Camp is designed to give people the tools they need to help the Red Cross respond quickly and efficiently in the wake of a disaster,” said Vince Hernandez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma.

The host site for Disaster Boot Camp is Messiah Lutheran Church, 3600 NW Expressway. Activities on Saturday, July 11, will acquaint participants with the Red Cross mission, its principles of serving all people in need, as well as the fundamentals of operating a shelter after a disaster. Hours for Saturday are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On Sunday, July 12, participants will take part in a shelter simulation, learning hands-on about everything from registration to feeding to sleeping quarters. Red Cross volunteers will be available at the various stations to answer questions and demonstrate how to interact with disaster victims. Hours on Sunday are 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Anyone interested in serving as a local disaster volunteer and learning more about the Red C ross history and mission is encouraged to participate. Because disaster response and sheltering requires a variety of skills, there is a way for everyone to help, Hernandez said.

Those with specific skills sets, such as mental health practitioners or nurses, are also encouraged to attend. The American Red C ross helps meet the immediate needs of disaster victims, f rom the basics of food and a place to sleep, to emotional support.

“The desire to help others comes naturally to Oklahomans, and the Red C ross can only do its work because of the many volunteers who help fulfill our mission,” Hernandez said. “This is a way to add more disaster volunteers to our ranks and train them in ways they can help.”

Disaster Boot Camp is being held at Messiah Lutheran because the church has a partner shelter agreement with the Red Cross. Its members and staff have received shelter training, and the facility is always ready to serve as a shelter when the need arises.

Disaster Boot Camp is free and open to anyone age 18 and older. To register, call (405) 228-9546 or e-mail disasterbootcamp@arcok.org. Lunch will be p rovided on Saturday, July 11.

Disaster Boot Camp is part of the American Red C ross “Join the 10,000” campaign, an effort to bring together 10,000 people to join the Red C ross volunteer ranks for the chapter.

###