The American Red Cross is joining with VolunteerSquare to offer a Disaster Boot Camp, Saturday, September 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Stamford Government Center, 888 Washington Boulevard in Stamford.

The training will provide information and basic skills needed to become a registered Red Cross volunteer, supporting disaster response here in Connecticut.

From major disasters like Superstorm Sandy or Tropical Storm Irene to residential house fires, the Red Cross responds to more than 500 incidents each year in Connecticut. Red Cross volunteers provide shelter, food, emotional support, health services and more during emergency responses. “Our workforce is more than 95% volunteer. We could not be there for our neighbors without the help of volunteers,” said American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region CEO Mario Bruno.

The orientation and training on September 27 will provide an introduction to Red Cross disaster response and equip volunteers with basic skills to staff shelters, help and help with mass care tasks like food preparation and distribution. As volunteers become more involved with the organization, there are opportunities to work in different areas and to take on increasing levels of responsibility. “We have opportunities for every age and ability,” Bruno said. “We hope to build our capacity with local volunteers ready to respond if needed,” Bruno said.

Rachel Reese, Executive Director of VolunteerSquare, said the organization partnered with the Red Cross because disaster readiness and response help to build stronger, more resilient communities. “We have seen in recent years how important the help of the Red Cross is when disaster strikes, so we want to provide people an opportunity to learn more and to become part of the team that can help here when the Red Cross is needed,” Reese said.

The Red Cross and VolunteerSquare Disaster Boot Camp will be held Saturday, September 27, from 8:30AM to 3:30 p.m., at Stamford Government Center, 888 Washington Boulevard. Volunteers must pre-register for the event at www.redcross.org/ct/volunteer.

About the American Red Cross Connecticut Chapter:

The American Red Cross Connecticut Chapter responds to an average of 500 local disasters each year; provides disaster preparedness information and life safety training to tens of thousands of Connecticut residents annually; supports Connecticut military families with emergency communications services, counseling, advocacy and access to emergency financial assistance; supports collection of an average of 130,000 units of life saving blood each year. Visit www.redcross.org/ct for more information. Connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ctredcross and on Twitter @CTRedCross

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.