Volunteer
Facing what is predicted to be active hurricane season, Louisiana needs you to volunteer.
Almost every year in our state, hurricanes drive people from their homes in search of safety. American Red Cross volunteers are always there to help, but more volunteers are needed to provide care to those in crisis.
Trained human resources allow Louisiana to take care of itself, and decrease the need of others to respond from out of the area, which takes time.
“The great thing about it is anybody can take training and go help,” said Clay Smilie, who volunteered with his wife during Hurricane Gustav. “You don’t have to be special. The only qualification you have to have is the willingness to help others during a time of need.”
Louisiana residents consistently show up to help after a disaster, but advance training is essential. If you are in a position to help, whether a couple days or weeks or even on a short-term basis, please register to volunteer and receive training this week.
Start today
1. Fill out the application packet. (Complete the background check too.)
2. To prepare for that training day, take Disaster Services Overview at home or at work. [If you have not taken any Red Cross courses before, click on “New Users” and then fill in all required fields. When you get to user name, change it to your e-mail address to make it easier to remember. When you complete the log-in, a “Create Order” screen will pop up. Go to the bottom right and “Place Order”. On the next screen, click on “Launch Content” on the right to get started.]
3. Complete registration by contacting Barbara Bourgeois, our community outreach manager, at (800) 256-4733. Bring your application when you meet with her.
4. Take other training courses, including to assist with shelters, damage assessment and health services. And/or take some courses online.
If you have any questions regarding the volunteer process, please contact Barbara Bourgeois at (800) 256-4733 or bbourgeois@batonrouge.redcross.org.