Red Cross training

We've seen several disasters in recent years. Storms in Joplin, Mo., and Moore, Okla., come to mind when thinking of devastation caused by natural disasters.

It's certainly important to know what to do when these events strike. Taking shelter during a storm is a given. What about after the storm? How do communities rally and coordinate efforts to help those affected? These are questions the Red Cross will help answer this week as part of its second annual American Red Cross Academy.

Held at Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff, Mo., the training is a four-day event that trains volunteers on emergency preparedness and recovery. In 2012, more than 50 volunteers participated in the training. Among those invited to participate this year are health departments, Community Organizations Active in Disasters, faith-based groups, emergency management directors, fire departments, law enforcement departments and community action agencies.

While there are national organizations that do good work in helping victims after a disaster, the importance of community preparedness cannot be overstated. The Red Cross and its group of volunteers play a valuable role, as do many other local groups and churches. Offering the training is an important step in making sure groups are on the same page and know how best to respond and coordinate relief efforts.

To register for the free training, call the Red Cross Southern Missouri Headquarters at 866-206-0256 or the Southeast Chapter in Cape Girardeau at 335-9471.

If you are part of a local disaster assistance group, thank you for your service. We hope the training serves as a valuable resource.

Another opportunity to participate in a Red Cross training is coming up Monday when the local Red Cross chapter hosts a free Sheltering Fundamentals course from 8 a.m. to noon at the Osage Centre. To RSVP, call Annah Rasul at 335-9471, extension 1304.