Red Cross offers four FREE training sessions in February

for prospective Disaster Action Team volunteers in Mid-Missouri

February 6, 2008 -- The Mid-Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross is continuing its efforts to help Mid-Missouri residents respond quickly and effectively when disasters strike the area.

The goal: to train people who will become registered Red Cross volunteers, capable of providing Red Cross assistance and relief to residents in Mid-Missouri when needed. For example, these Red Cross volunteers – called Disaster Action Team (DAT) members -- would help the Red Cross assist local residents after disasters ranging from single family fires to floods, tornadoes and the like.

So, to achieve that goal, the American Red Cross Mid-Missouri Chapter has scheduled four free training sessions in the next two weeks.

Specifically, prospective volunteers in or near Chariton County or Cooper County can attend one of the following free training sessions:

• Tuesday, Feb. 12 from 6-9 pm – Keytesville (Chariton County Courthouse “Blue Room”)
• Thursday, Feb. 14 from 6-9 pm – Keytesville (Chariton County Courthouse “Blue Room”)
• Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 6-9 pm --  Boonville (Boonslick Technical Center’s Nursing Room)
• Thursday, Feb. 21 from 6-9 pm --  Boonville (Boonslick Technical Center’s AG Room)

These training sessions are free but space is limited, so advance reservations are preferred by calling Karen Viebrock at the Mid-Missouri Chapter. The toll-free number for the Mid-Missouri Chapter is (800) 359-8829. Advance reservations will enable the Red Cross to provide the appropriate amount of training materials for volunteers in attendance.

“One of our primary goals is to provide Mid-Missourians with the knowledge and tools they need when a disaster strikes where they live or work,” said Mike Odneal, Executive Director of the Mid-Missouri Chapter. “The best scenario is when neighbors help neighbors, with the Red Cross providing local citizens with training and tools before a disaster hits.”

These Red Cross training sessions in Keytesville and Boonville are made possible in part by grants from community-minded organizations in those two towns. Specifically, the upcoming Keytesville training sessions are partially funded by the Dred and Lula Finnell Trust Fund in Keytesville, and the Boonville training sessions are partially funded by the City of Boonville.

The Red Cross is also training members from other communities, to establish DAT teams within the seven counties served specifically by the Mid-Missouri Chapter – specifically, the counties of Boone, Carroll, Chariton, Cooper, Howard, Randolph and Saline.

People interested in attending these upcoming Red Cross DAT training sessions must call Karen Viebrock, Emergency Services Director at the Mid-Missouri Chapter, toll-free at (800) 359-8829. Calling in advance will reserve a place for the volunteer at the training session, and will enable the Chapter to bring the correct amount of training materials.

Disaster Action Teams (DAT) assists victims of disasters and emergency services workers at a disaster scene.  For example, DAT volunteers provide emergency food, shelter or clothing to victims of fires, tornadoes and floods. During large-scale disasters, DAT volunteers also provide food and drinks to emergency personnel or volunteer crews responding to the disaster. In short, the Red Cross DAT volunteers are trained to be on-site and ready to help when disasters strike. 

The Red Cross trains volunteer teams and individuals who are available to assist in emergency situations 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  If a family loses their home to a fire, tornado, flood or other disaster, the Red Cross is there to make sure they have a safe place to stay, and if needed, food and clothing.  If it is a large event, a temporary shelter may be opened for housing purposes.

DAT volunteers are trained free-of-charge by the Red Cross, and are supplied with materials to provide services to their fellow community members.

Likewise, the Red Cross of Mid-Missouri will also be working further with other organized groups in the region (such as church groups, civic clubs, etc) who are interested in partnering with the Red Cross during disasters. For example, the Red Cross often partners with other organizations when providing large-scale shelters, emergency feeding operations, and the like.