Monday, September 13, 2010

Starting today, the American Red Cross Midway-Kansas Chapter is hosting its biannual disaster preparedness classes. The classes are for potential volunteers that want to help communities prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters.

“As we have seen already, it is important to have a strong base of volunteers to call upon when there could be trouble,” said Pat Thomas, disaster specialist. “These classes will give volunteers the tools needed to respond to manmade disasters, like house fires, and natural disasters, such as tornadoes and hurricanes.”

The classes go until Sept. 30 and are free to the public. Potential volunteers looking to participate should be 18 or older and should have a valid driver’s license. Class registration is required and can be done online at www.midwaykansas.redcross.org or over the phone by calling 219-4049. Because of the scope and variety of disasters Red Cross responds to, the chapter is offering 21 different classes participants can choose from. All classes take place at the chapter building, 1900 E. Douglas, Wichita, Kan.

“The public depends and expects us to be there when something happens,” Thomas said. “These disaster classes give volunteers the training and resources to be there when the public needs us.”