American Red Cross Seeking RI Volunteers For Disaster Shelters

EAST GREENWICH, RI — The American Red Cross is seeking Rhode Island residents to volunteer to support disaster shelters.

More volunteers are needed because weather experts predict a destructive hurricane season this year, a spokesperson for the Red Cross said. Specifically, the organization needs volunteers to help with reception, registration, food distribution, dormitory, information collection and other vital tasks inside disaster shelters. Both entry and supervisory-level opportunities are available.

"There have already been several named storms this year and experts report we could see 10 or more storms with winds reaching hurricane strength," said Mario Bruno, the CEO for the American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region. "It’s critical to have a trained, ready volunteer workforce to make sure we can provide disaster relief at a moment’s notice. Please train now to be a Red Cross volunteer and help if the need arises."

The Red Cross also needs volunteers who can work in disaster shelters to address people’s health needs and provide hands-on care. Registered nurses and other licensed health care providers are needed. Daily observation and health screening for COVID-19-like illness among shelter residents may also be required. If you are an RN, LPN, LVN, APRN, NP, EMT, paramedic, MD/DO or PA with a current and unencumbered license, this position could be right for you.

After most disasters this year, the Red Cross said it plans to open group shelters. However, in some communities, hotels may be more appropriate if the risk of COVID-19, including the delta variant, is particularly high. The Red Cross will also continue many of the safety precautions implemented in 2020, including masks, health screenings, enhanced cleaning procedures and encouraging social distancing.