I've completed Red Cross BootCamp, and I'm heading out tomorrow (6:20AM) flight to Houston and then I'll be assigned a spot somewhere (right now it's Houston or Baton Rouge, but the need changes hourly, so I'll find out when I get there). The need for volunteers is incredible, and a lot of chapters are offering a 1 or 2 day bootcamp that gives you just enough information to know you need more information, but at the same time, you're chomping at the bit to go.
Call your local Red Cross and they should know where you can get this training. They really need people who are physically and emotionally strong (Catheites are PERFECT) to handle all sorts of things. If you want to help but think you would not be able to interact with the victims, there are so many other jobs that you will be accomodated. I'm going to tell you that I know this is going to be an ultra emotional experience. I'll be handing out food which is meeting people up close and personal. I hope I'm strong enough.
There are other resources as well - Catholic Charites, The Southern Baptists, the Salvation Army and many more - call any one of them or your local church, to see what you can do.
For those who cannot go to the disaster area but want to do something, call any of the above and simply tell them you want to volunteer your time and ask them if they can use you. People are needed to sort donations, answer phone calls, organize paperwork... Just about anything you can imagine.
The scope of this is just starting to be realized and the relief efforts will be going on for a long time. You have time to help.
I will post my experiences when I get back on the 11th.
