Red Cross of Idaho Seeking Boundary County Volunteers

The Idaho chapter of one of the world's largest international humanitarian organizations — led almost entirely by volunteers — is seeking volunteers to become a vital component in helping victims of fires and other disasters in Boundary County.

Currently, the American Red Cross of Greater Idaho Chapter is without any representation in Boundary County. That means providing shelter and other necessities for displaced families left homeless by house fires has fallen on the shoulders of the Bonners Ferry Fire Department.

Red Cross Safety Administrator Danielle Barton, who works out of the Harding Family Center on North 15th St. in Coeur d'Alene, said it has unfortunately been that way for some time. The two Red Cross volunteers who served the community for the last five years were elderly and have since relocated.

"I've really been surprised how the (Boundary County) area has not been using our resources," said Barton. "There are no Red Cross care kits, blankets or other emergency essentials. Most of the time, the local fire department foots the bill by putting families in a motel for a night. In the past, response time for Red Cross volunteers in Boundary County was at least 24 hours, which is really not acceptable."

What Barton is looking for are at least five volunteers who would be thoroughly trained in Red Cross operational procedures for providing temporary relief as well as sheltering families. A minimum of three classes would be required for Red Cross volunteers. Qualified teachers from the Sandpoint area would be sent to Bonners Ferry to administer class training.

Once certified, Barton said they could also be deployed to nationwide emergencies.

"Having local Red Cross volunteers who can take charge when a family is burned out of their home would really help out a lot here," said Bonners Ferry Fire Chief Pat Warkentin. "It's something that won't take up much of their time, and it would be a great value to the both the community and the fire department. When I was a firefighter in Denver, the Red Cross van would immediately show up at a house fire with a bag of essentials along with food and lodging vouchers. It really makes a difference."

Those interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer can apply online at http://www.redcrossidaho.org, by clicking "Volunteer Training" at the top of the page.

For more information, call Danielle Barton at 800-853-2570, ext. 104.