Red Cross seeking disaster response volunteers in Maricopa

Arizona has its share of disasters. This summer brought forest fires, extreme heat-related emergencies, flooding and brush fires to our state.

The City of Maricopa, the Maricopa fire department and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office recently instituted an emergency plan in case the floodwaters from the Tucson area hit Maricopa with force.

Although that didn’t happen, the possibility was there. When disaster strikes, the Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross is there to help with food, clothing, housing and counseling.

This week the Red Cross is working to relocate residents who had to flee the brush fire on the Gila River Reservation. They are also on their way to Louisiana with two Emergency Response Vehicles, feeding trucks that are capable of distributing 1,000 meals a day, to aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. A satellite command Emergency Communications Response Vehicle is headed to Houston for the second landfall of that storm.

Melissa Wenzel, public relations officer, is on her way to a staging center in Houston, Texas, then to a disaster area. In a recent interview on Channel 12 news, she stated, “There are a lot of folks there who need our help. We hope to be there for people in their worst time.”

What if Maricopa has a “worst time”? With the growth of this community, one thing that is sorely lacking is disaster relief volunteers.

According to Wenzel, “The Red Cross is an organization of neighbors helping neighbors. With Maricopa growing and developing as quickly as it is, the need for volunteers in the community has never been greater. We are looking for folks who would like to join our volunteer team, to make a difference by bringing help and hope to the community.”

Betty Beeman (left) and Linda Britton, representing the Pinal County branch office, signed up volunteers at Maricopa’s Night Out event.

What types of volunteers are needed? In this area, the Red Cross is looking for individuals, potentially active retirees with flexible schedules, who want to be part of a disaster action team.

These teams provide immediate assistance during storms, heavy, localized winds and fires, either wildfires or structural blazes. Volunteers can also serve as CPR, health and safety class instructors. A list of volunteer opportunities is available on the Red Cross website.

Judy Walp, Pinal County branch coordinator in Casa Grande, explained local preparedness. “Fire station #2 in Casa Grande graciously houses our disaster trailer, which carries 100 cots and blankets. We also have an RV to transport food to disaster sites.”

According to Walp, funding is an ever-present problem. “Everyone gives to the big disasters, but not to single family fires, localized winds or single structure flooding. We are still paying for the last Florida hurricanes, so we need money ahead of time. The Red Cross is run strictly on donations, and monetary donations are always welcome.”

The Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross services 80% of Arizona. “Our chapter responds to a disaster every 15 hours,” explained Wenzel. Because of the growth in Pinal County, and Maricopa in particular, we are looking to boost our volunteer base and expand our reach by training more people in CPR and First Aid.”

Whether responding to a local disaster, teaching lifesaving skills classes or connecting a family with a military member, the Red Cross is there to help.

If you want to be a part of such efforts here in Maricopa, contact Volunteer Services by email or by phone at (602) 336-6502. The Pinal County branch office can be reached at (520) 836-0879.