Volunteers Needed In Groton For Red Cross Emergency Drill

The Connecticut Region of the American Red Cross is planning an overnight emergency preparedness exercise June 3, and is seeking volunteers in Groton as part of its effort to test emergency response across the state.

The goal is to make sure that shelters run smoothly and that towns are prepared in case of an emergency, said Sue Rochester Bolen, American Red Cross Connecticut Region Senior Director of Emergency Services.

“We will check our plans, our communications and our sheltering capabilities to make sure that we are ready to partner with local communities to keep Connecticut residents safe,” Bolen said in a prepared statement.

The drill is aimed at making sure shelters can accomplish basic tasks such as feeding large numbers of people in an emergency.

Volunteers would report to “evacuation shelters” at 6 p.m. on June 3 and stay overnight. The shelters would close at 8 a.m. on June 4.  Volunteers would receive dinner and snacks Friday and breakfast on Saturday in Groton.  Cots will be provided.

The town and the Red Cross will have a pet shelter in another room at each location, so residents can bring their dog, cat or other small pet in a crate.

Registration is required to participate. Volunteers are asked to e-mail Sue Rochester Bolen at ctexercise4@ctredcross.org or call (860) 447-3249, extension 13.