With severe weather disasters striking with more frequency, communities fare better when local residents are prepared. Citizens can help Rockport and Camden be ready by joining a free American Red Cross “Shelter Fundamentals” training, Friday, September 25, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Penobscot Bay YMCA, 116 Union Street in Rockport.

Participants will learn about how volunteers can help stand up and run an emergency shelter when community members have been displaced by natural disasters. Shelters function best when supported by a corps of trained local volunteers who know how shelters operate and how best to support clients. 

The Red Cross training is free and open to any interested community member. Members of service clubs, faith communities and other existing groups are welcome to take multiple members to attend. Email Sophie Piconi, Red Cross Director for Central and Midcoast Maine, to preregister at sophia.piconi@redcross.org.