Red Cross in need of Vernon County volunteers

Nevada Daily Mail

The American Red Cross organization has provided free assistance to people affected by disasters for years, but continues to do so only because of the volunteers who provide services and financial support to the organization.

Julie Stolting, emergency services director of the Red Cross' Southern Missouri Region, which includes Vernon County, says Nevada and the Vernon County area is in need of more residents stepping up to volunteer.

"There's always a need for volunteers because we're basically dependent on volunteers for their time," Red Cross public affairs volunteer Don Underwood said.

When Peggy Tedlock left the Red Cross office in Nevada after operating the office for 35 years, the office became an all-volunteer office.

More specifically, the Red Cross is in need of volunteers for the Disaster Assistance Team in Vernon County to respond to house fires in the community.

According to the Red Cross, the biggest disaster threat to American families is home fires, not tornadoes, hurricanes or other natural disasters.

In the case of a home fire, DAT volunteers near the scene would be called by dispatchers. At the home they would be there to support the homeowners.

"You want to give the person support and understanding," Underwood said, adding sometimes that means just providing a blanket. "It makes a difference sometimes."

The volunteer would also find out the number of people living in the house that burned, as well as what belongings they lost such as clothing, food and prescriptions. That information would be given to a Red Cross supervisor who would then provide a card, similar to a debit card, to the family to meet their needs after the fire.

From Dec. 1 to Jan. 15, there were 18 fire responses by Red Cross volunteers in Vernon County, with about $5,000 in assistance given to the homeowners.

"It's basically a 24/7 situation," Underwood said. "And maintaining that is a challenge."

Nevada and Vernon County residents interested in volunteering need only take Red Cross classes providing the organization's policies and complete the necessary paperwork, as well as be physically able to drive to the scene of a fire and provide support.

"It's an ongoing challenge to keep volunteers available to help the community," Underwood said.

Residents can join the list of volunteers by going to www.redcross.org or contacting the Springfield office at 417-832-9500 and express their intention to volunteer for disaster response.

Meetings are held for volunteers the last Tuesday of each month. The Nevada Red Cross office is located at 201 E. Cherry St., Suite 203.