American Red Cross seeks volunteers for disaster training, Jan. 21

In an effort to better respond to the needs our community in the aftermath of a natural disaster or emergencies such as a tornado, ice storm, earthquake, or extreme heat,  the American Red Cross is offering a free disaster training workshop on Saturday, Jan. 21 at First Assembly of God Church, 1608 N. Oak Street in Rolla.

The first part of the workshop, titled ‘Disaster Services; an Overview,’ will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12-noon. The second half of the workshop, titled ‘Disaster Assessment Basics,’ will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The purpose of the training, said Phillip Iman, Disaster Coordinator, American red Cross, Capital Area Chapter, St. Louis region, is “to start the new year off by better preparing ourselves and our communities so we can respond to the best of our ability for whatever comes our way.”

Anyone interested in attending the free disaster training class on Jan. 21 may contact Iman via e-mail at cacesd@redcross-capitalarea.org or call his office in Jefferson City Toll-free at 866-815-2738.

Jodi Waltman, Administrator of the Phelps/Maries Health Department, and John Butz, Rolla City Administrator, also strongly encourage citizen participation in the disaster training workshop on Jan. 21 as well. “Attending a Red Cross training class for just one day for a few hours will assist volunteers in bringing together and organizing the many areas of a shelter,” said Waltman. “So please consider attending the free workshop if you are interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer who can make a big contribution to the safety and welfare of our citizens.”