American Red Cross Disaster Services
Upcoming Classes
Mass Care & Shelter Operations: An Overview
Mass Care educates new volunteers on the basics of caring for large numbers of people which is what the Red Cross does best in times of disaster. Shelter Operations explains how to open and close a shelter as awell as the different roles and responsbilities of shelter workers.
Client Casework: Providing Emergency Assistance* (Condensed DAT Version)
Particpants will acquire the knowledge and practice skills needed to conduct client interviews and provide emergency disaster assistance Red Cross can offer and how we offer it.
*This class is tailored to local disaster response and if you are interested in training for this position for National Disaster Response, please let the Emergency Services Director know prior to taking this class.
All disaster classes are free.
All disaster classes will be held at the Chapter unless otherwise noted.
The Yolo County Chapter is also currently recruiting Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers. Disaster training is free of charge and all volunteers must complete a background check, interview and disaster training.
If you are interested in volunteering, signing up for a class, or would like more information please contact:
Katie Kelsch to volunteer: 530-662-4669, emergencyservices@yc-arc.org
Emergency Preparedness Training
Are you prepared for disaster when disaster strikes....
In today's climate, it's more important than ever before that all of us are prepared for possible emergencies. Natural or man-made disasters can strike suddenly, at any moment, with or without warning. The American Red Cross of Yolo County offers complimentary emergency preparedness presentations to church groups, workplace and adult and youth organizations. We teach you how to make a plan. We teach you how to build four different kinds of emergency kits: family, individual, workplace and car; and we teach you training in CPR and First Aid . Click here to schedule a complimentary Emergency Preparedness presentation. To learn more about these exciting opportunities, contact Contact Katie Kelsh to volunteer: 530-662-4669, emergencyservices@yc-arc.org
The Local Disaster Action Team Response
From residential fires to major floods, count on the American Red Cross to be on the scene when help is needed. Red Cross disaster relief volunteers are trained in emergency response. From providing mass care and shelter to comfort and mental health assistance, Red Cross volunteers help disaster victims start rebuilding their lives. The team also provides mass care and feeding for emergency services workers, such as our local fire fighters, police departments and the Sheriff's Department during wildfires, long burning structures and mass casualty incidents.
Our local Yolo County Red Cross volunteers responded to 42 emergency incidents this past fiscal year. Our volunteers are on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week in our communities. These volunteers are trained for all types of disaster response both locally and nationally. Our volunteers were there to help with 35 house fires, one storm incident and 10 mass care calls (six were individual call outs and four were requested during a house fire). The Red Cross responded to the needs of emergency crew members and provided food, shelter and clothing to families in need.
TARGET BUILDS KITS FOR RED CROSS:
Employees of Target Distribution center volunteered this past week to build Food Relief Kits for the American Red Cross. Local Yolo County Red Cross volunteers also assisted the employees put together 7000 emergency food packets which can be used at shelters during disasters locally and throughout the country. The food kits include granola bars, tuna, water, dried fruit, snack chips, and almonds. In previous years, Target has built comfort kits which hold toiletry items and has distributed them during major disasters.
The New ERV
The Yolo County Red Cross has become a custodial unit for a national Emergency Response Vehicle. Owners of Woodland RV & Boat Storage - Wally Sheffield and Tom Green - have donated space for the ERV to be stored safely. Shown here, left to right, are Lavonne Lamoureaux, disaster volunteer; Sheffield; Donna Neu, Executive Director; Venessa Voyles, Preparedness Director; and Green. In a disaster, an ERV is used to deliver food and supplies to those in need
The National Disaster Response Team
The American Red Cross is part of a national team of responders called the Disaster Services Human Resources Team (DSHR) . We provide services such as shelter/lodging, clothing and food to disaster victims all over the country during times of need. The American Red Cross of Yolo County currently staffs 30 local volunteers who donate their time, skills and knowledge to help people on national assignments such as the Florida hurricanes or Texas floods. We are always looking for volunteers who are willing to give their time to help the local and national communities.
Disaster Services members are provided with free training. All Disaster Services training is free of charge. Volunteering on these teams is a great way to learn new skills, meet new people, and make a real contribution to your community in lives of your local community members and your country.
If you are interested in volunteering for our local American Red Cross, please email Katie Kelsch, emergencyservices@yc-arc.org
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