Friday, Sep. 05, 2008

Getting ready to respond

Red Cross holds training for disaster relief volunteers

The gathering of volunteers listened intently as the relief training got under way, many of them imagining the day when they might get the call.

As three tropical systems continued to lurk off the United States coast Thursday, more than 20 people turned out for an American Red Cross disaster assistance training program in downtown Columbia.

“I want them to walk away thinking, ‘I want to help where I am needed,’” said Red Cross of Central South Carolina volunteer trainer Patricia Mason, who led Thursday’s session at the state health offices on Bull Street.

For two hours, Mason explained the steps that go into manning Red Cross emergency shelters before, during or after hurricanes or other natural disasters.

And while it’s training some hope they’ll never need, many of those attending Thursday said they hope to be ready if an emergency does strike.

“I’m retired now, and I’m standing by,” said Lexington’s Bobby Roberts, a former truck driver and Department of Corrections worker.

Roberts has been on the Red Cross volunteer list since 2005, and while he has not yet been sent to a shelter, he said his schedule would permit him to be away from home for a longer period if necessary.

Time commitments were just part of the long list of instructions volunteers received Thursday, including setting up a shelter, registering residents, dividing living space and ensuring residents have something to eat.

“If all else fails, at least you can do that,” Mason told the group.

While Thursday’s training covered more than just the current tropical threat, Mason said the active storm season heavily dictated the timing of this week’s session.

Those who volunteer to work at shelters often must respond to emergencies within a 24-hour period and could be assigned to a shelter close to home or several states away. Once there, they are asked to commit up to three weeks.

Mason stressed, however, there are various other ways people can serve if they’re not able to leave the area.

“There is always something you can do,” she said. “Not everyone can jump on a plane and take off.”

That’s welcome news for University of South Carolina mechanical engineering student Rob Kallgren.

The 26-year-old, who spent six years in the Navy, said he learned of the training earlier in the week and wanted to see whether he could help. And while his school obligations might prevent him from traveling, Kallgren hoped to learn more about potential opportunities closer to home.

“I just figured it was a good thing to do,” he said.

The Red Cross of Central South Carolina will be offering several Ready to Respond and other disaster training programs for volunteers in the coming weeks. To get more information or to register for a training session, call (803) 540-1214.