Red Cross and Georgetown County join forces for shelter training

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – The American Red Cross is partnering with Georgetown County Emergency Services to prepare the community for the upcoming hurricane season.

The focus is on local shelter volunteer training.

Together, the Red Cross and the county’s emergency management will hold a one-day boot camp Saturday at the Emergency Operations Center.

Red Cross volunteers assist with the county’s disaster response efforts, especially when emergency shelters are required due to evacuations and serious storm threats.

“They’re a crucial partner,” said Brandon Ellis, Georgetown County’s Director of Emergency Services. “When an event happens, they help us open and manage shelters, ensuring residents have a safe place to go.”

One challenge is finding volunteers to help with shelter needs. Volunteers will learn what is required to help run an emergency shelter, and other helpful skills like CPR that could save a life inside or outside a shelter environment.

That event will take place from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. You can register for the event by clicking here.