As hurricane season approaches, what may be its most intense stretch, free shelter-volunteer training is being offered to Florida residents who may want to help when severe weather forces people from their homes.
Here's what to know
American Red Cross and Jefferson County Emergency Management hosted the event last week in Monticello at the Jefferson County Emergency Management office, according to local news outlet WTXL.
Organizers say the training is intended to prepare volunteers for hands-on disaster work in emergency shelters, including meal service, supply distribution, and support for families.
Candi Collyer, a community disaster program manager with the American Red Cross, said the organization already works closely with the county, adding to WTXL: "They have an excellent [Community Emergency Response Team] so we work with them very well, but we always could use shelter volunteers or volunteers in general."
People interested in helping with disaster response, whether they live in Jefferson County or elsewhere in the region, are always welcome.
"Volunteers are 90% of our workforce," Collyer said, "and we could never have too many."
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More background
In rural communities such as Jefferson County, emergency response often depends heavily on local volunteers. Running a shelter takes a village — it requires people who can welcome evacuees, organize food and supplies, and help keep the space safe, clean, calm, and functioning.
Around the world, advocates have also called for staff and volunteers to be trained to meet the needs of marginalized groups, including children, women, and LGBTQ+ people.
Shelter workers educated to maintain the availability of diapers and menstrual products and to look out for threats of gender-based violence can help ensure that emergency shelters are safe and welcoming for everyone.
Where can I learn more?
Here are some more insights on disaster preparedness, relief efforts, and recovery fundraising:
• Floridians could support survivors through Red Cross and Feeding America donation efforts.
• Rescuers warn residents against common storm mistakes that turn deadly.
• In Houston, a survey showed many residents still lacked basic hurricane plans.
• FEMA drew scrutiny after rescinding a key strategic plan.
• Communities across the Southeast organized fundraising and donation drives for survivors.
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