Volunteers needed for Hurricane Season Readiness Reserve Corps

CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. » The American Red Cross in Eastern NY is seeking 100 new volunteers to be part of their Hurricane Season Readiness Reserve Corps, a new, trained group of team members ready to support affected communities in the event of a major disaster in our region and beyond.

Serving 27 counties and more than 3.6 million people, the American Red Cross Eastern New York Region is comprised of the Central and Northern New York, Hudson Valley, and Northeastern New York chapters along with 3 Blood Donation Centers.

This large number of “reserve” volunteers is needed due to the added constraints brought on by COVID-19 and the projected intensity of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season. The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, with its peak in the Northeast in August and September.

Last weekend’s Hurricane Isaias, the ninth named storm and second hurricane of the season, wreaked havoc up and down the East Coast providing a critical reminder we need to be ready.

“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 Kevin Coffey, Regional Chief Executive Officer of American Red Cross Eastern New York Region. “Train now to be a Red Cross volunteer and answer the call to help if the need arises here in our region or beyond.”

Currently there is a special need for volunteers to support sheltering efforts. To help keep people safe during the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the Red Cross has put in place additional precautions and developed special training for our workforce. The Red Cross needs volunteers to help staff shelter reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information collection and other vital tasks to help those we serve.

There are both associate and supervisory level opportunities available. All necessary training (minimum five hours) is provided virtually. In the event of a disaster mobilization, individual shifts for these roles are 12 hours.

Be sure to review the CDC guidance for people who are at higher risk for severe illness, consult your health care provider, and follow local guidance. The Red Cross’s number one priority is the health and safety of its employees, volunteers and the people it serves.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities visit: https://bit.ly/ redcrossreserve.