Re: [A/S] Red Cross volunteering

[Daisy Welch <jtdjtd@xxxxxxxx>]

We have to go through the Red Cross in any case, and usually 
we are supposed to join our local chapter and take the 
required classes for disaster work and mass care.  Then the 
   Red Cross people on the ground at the disaster contact 
the local chapters and the national or regional chapters to 
call for more help. The Red Cross is the head agency and 
clearing house for all disaster relief done by anyone.

I never met the guy who is the nominal head of Airstream 
Angels or heard from him after I took the classes. My guess 
is that he took on something and hasn't followed through. 
But it is important to take the classes so that we are not a 
total innocent about how stuff works.

There is also a new policy in the Red Cross that instead of 
sending out a nation wide call to all chapters for help, 
they will go region by region, to save travel time and 
money. Makes sense, but it leaves us drifters out in the cold.

I called the local chapter here in Conway Arkansas, but they 
are not open until tomorrow AM at 8:30, I will call them then.

New Orleans could well get a 25 foot storm surge, which will 
leave thousands homeless. There is a mandatory 
evacuation,but when it's over, people will have no where to 
live and nothing to eat.

I'm guessing they will not turn away anyone who comes to 
help after the water has gone down, but I'd like to make 
sure I was really helping, not just getting in the way.  If 
I just drive down there, they may not let me in unless I 
have the right credentials.

Will keep you posted.

Daisy