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. 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.

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
Register: https://salemredcrossorientation.eventbrite.com


Wednesday, September 12, 2018 – ROSEBURG
1 – 4 p.m.
Red Cross Roseburg Office
870 NE Alameda Ave.
Roseburg, OR 97470
Register: https://roseburgredcrossorientation.eventbrite.com


Thursday, September 13, 2018 – VANCOUVER
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Red Cross Vancouver Office
5109 NE 82nd Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98662
Register: https://vancouverredcrossorientation.eventbrite.com


Thursday, September 13, 2018 – ST. HELENS
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
OSU Extension Center
505 N Columbia River Hwy.
St. Helens, OR 97051
Register: https://sthelensredcross.eventbrite.com


Friday, September 14, 2018 – BEND
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Red Cross Bend Office
815 SW Bond St.
Bend, OR 97702
Register: https://bendredcrossorientation.eventbrite.com


Friday, September 14, 2018 – PORTLAND
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Red Cross Portland Office
3131 N. Vancouver Ave
Portland, OR 97227
Register https://portlandredcrossorientation.eventbrite.com


Friday, September 14, 2018 – MEDFORD
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Red Cross Medford Office
1050 Crater Lake Ave.
Medford, OR 97504
Register: https://medfordredcrossorientation.eventbrite.com

MAKE A DONATION
The Red Cross depends on donations to provide immediate relief. Help people affected by hurricanes 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.