Volunteers needed by Red Cross for coronavirus hurricane season

Experts expect a busy hurricane season and the American Red Cross needs your help.

About 90% of disaster relief efforts and humanitarian work during a crisis is done by volunteers. There are opportunities for all skill levels, from entry-level workers to trained professionals.

And this year especially, health-care, medical and support staff are needed more than ever.

“The coronavirus pandemic will make it challenging to deploy trained disaster volunteers from other parts of the country should an emergency occur. In light of this, the Red Cross is asking you to be ready to help your community,” said Grace Meinhofer, regional director of communications and marketing for the South Florida Red Cross.

“Train now to be a Red Cross volunteer and answer the call to help if the need arises here in our region.”

Shelter help needed: To provide support staff reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information collection and other vital tasks. Associate and supervisory level opportunities available.

Health services support needed: Daily observation and health screening for COVID-19-like illness among shelter residents may be required. RNs will supervise all clinical tasks. Roles are also available for Certified Nursing Assistants and Certified Home Health Aides. Student nurses and medical students are encouraged to apply. Volunteers will provide care as delegated by a licensed nurse in shelters.

Pets need help too: When people leave their homes during an emergency, they take their pets with them. The Red Cross is looking for established organizations to partner and help support the pet sheltering effort.

If you are interested in helping your community should a disaster occur, see redcross.org/SFLVolunteer or contact a local chapter office at redcross.org/ SouthFlorida for a complete list of volunteer opportunities, internships and leadership programs.

Centers for Disease Control guidelines will be followed. Below is a partial list of additional types of positions needed. Some volunteer tasks can be done virtually, if you are unable to assist in person. Sign up now to get trained for:

■ Disaster health services worker

■ Shelter service worker

■ Public affairs team

■ Marketing volunteer

■ Community volunteer

■ Local social engagement (virtual)

■ Communications editor

■ Code4Good web services

■ Youth volunteer

Full information is available at redcross.org/volunteer.