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American Red Cross Offers Online Training for Emergency Responders
Six courses help volunteers prepare to provide humanitarian needs following WMD/Terrorism disaster
The American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) has announced the availability of a new series of six web-based training courses that will help volunteers better prepare to provide humanitarian services following a disaster created by weapons of mass destruction or other acts of terrorism. Developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the courses are available at www.dhs-ngo-pilot.org .
“Humanitarian organizations and their volunteers immediately respond to help people during emergencies,” said Randy Jones, director, training and exercises, American Red Cross in Greater New York. “While the Red Cross provides ongoing training for employees and volunteers, many others may not have the capabilities and opportunities to train their volunteers to properly respond to emergencies in their neighborhoods, cities, or states. This initiative by DHS, in cooperation with the Red Cross, will help more non-government, community-based and volunteer organizations prepare to respond when the need arises.”
ARC/GNY is a humanitarian partner and a key participant in New York’s plans and programs to help the nine million people in New York City
and Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Sullivan counties prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. In Putnam County/West Point, the Red Cross is located at Building 2104, Visitors Center, West Point HWY (New South Post Road), West Point (phone: 845- 938-4100).
The national training program, which will reach tens of thousands of volunteers at community groups, civic associations and religious organizations, will improve the management and planning of a response and recovery from a WMD/terrorist incident. The courses explain food and supplies distribution, sheltering and the mental health support that will be required by the local population following a disaster. The courses involve participants in scenario exercises, provide a checklist for each lesson and offer evaluations of the course material. About one hour is required to complete each course.
Volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross are available in the five boroughs of New York City and Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Sullivan counties. Volunteer specialists match talents, interests and availability with opportunities that include helping victims of disasters, teaching lifesaving skills and courses, and providing preparedness information to individuals, families and community groups. Students (ages 14-18) can participate in all service areas while also helping organize neighborhood programs for homeless children and disaster victims. Visit www.nyredcross.org to learn about volunteer positions.
The largest Red Cross chapter in the U.S., ARC/GNY provides immediate aid to more than 100,000 people affected by more than 3,000 emergencies a year, including fires, floods, building collapses and blackouts. The chapter continually works with partner agencies to plan and prepare for major natural and man-made disasters. It helps New York residents and businesses prepare for emergencies by offering hundreds of courses in first aid, CPR and aquatics and free emergency preparedness training programs and resources. ARC/GNY is not a governmental organization and relies on individual and corporate gifts, special events and grants from foundations and local, state and federal government to fund its essential programs and services. For more information, call 1- 877- REDCROSS (1-877-733- 2767), or visit
www.nyredcross.org .
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