PORTLAND — Many weather experts predict a destructive wildfire and hurricane season this year. The American Red Cross needs volunteers to help on the ground and blood and platelet donors to roll up a sleeve to maintain a stable blood supply in the face of emergencies.

“We’re preparing for another extremely busy disaster season, and it’s critical to have a trained, ready volunteer workforce to make sure we can provide relief at a moment’s notice,” Stephanie Couturier, CEO, American Red Cross Central of Northern New England, said in a news release. “This year’s wildfire season is already very active and dangerous because of the severe drought and dry woodlands across the west. And experts are predicting we could see 10 or more hurricanes in the upcoming weeks.”

SHELTER VOLUNTEERS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS NEEDED

The Red Cross needs new volunteers to support disaster shelters. Volunteers will help with reception, registration, food distribution, dormitory, information collection and other vital tasks inside disaster shelters. Both entry- and supervisory-level opportunities are available.

The Red Cross also needs volunteers who can work in disaster shelters to address people’s health needs and provide hands-on care in alignment with their professional licensure (registered nurse and licensed practical nurse/licensed vocational nurse). Daily observation and health screening for COVID-19-like illness among shelter residents may also be required. We have both associate and supervisory level opportunities available. If you are an RN, LPN, LVN, APRN, NP, EMT, paramedic, MD/DO or PA with a current and unencumbered license, this position could be right for you.

After most disasters this year, the Red Cross plans to open group shelters. However, in some communities, hotels may be more appropriate if the risk of COVID-19, including the delta variant, is particularly high. The Red Cross will also continue many of the safety precautions implemented in 2020, including masks, health screenings, enhanced cleaning procedures and encouraging social distancing.

DISASTER ACTION TEAM MEMBER

Local Disaster Action Teams provide 24-hour emergency response to local disasters, particularly home fires, ensuring that those affected have access to resources for basic necessities such as food, shelter and clothing. If you are team-oriented and want to help your neighbor, the DAT responder may be just the thing for you.

Last year, the Maine chapters of the Northern New England Region provided immediate emergency assistance to 818 people after 356 home fires and other disasters. If you want to make a difference and are interested in helping your community should a disaster occur here at home or across the country, please contact our Volunteer Recruitment team in Northern New England at 207-523-5107 or email: VolunteerNNE@redcross.org

BLOOD AND PLATELET DONORS NEEDED

Wildfires, record-breaking heat and a busy hurricane season can also impact the nation’s blood supply. On top of the toll extreme weather events take on the lives of millions, disasters can cause blood drive closures or prevent donors from being able to give safely. Eligible donors can help overcome the critical need for blood and ensure blood is readily available by making an appointment to give by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

As a thank-you, those who come to donate throughout the month of August will get a free 4-month special offer to Apple Music by email (new subscribers only). Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/FeelTheBeat. Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 16-31

Androscoggin County

Auburn: Aug. 30, 1-5 p.m., East Auburn Baptist Church, 560 Park Ave.

Lewiston: Aug. 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, 415 Lisbon St.; Aug. 18, noon-5 p.m., L-A Harley-Davidson, 839 Main St.

Kennebec County

Augusta: Aug. 23, 12:30-6 p.m., Augusta Elks, 397 Civic Center Drive.

Waterville: Aug. 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Waterville Elks, 76 Industrial St.

Winslow: Aug. 19, 1-6 p.m., Winslow VFW, 175 Veterans Drive.

Oxford County

Bethel: Aug. 31, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., West Parish Congregational Church, 32 Church St.

Norway: Aug. 25, noon-5 p.m., Stephens Memorial Hospital, Ripley Medical Building, 193 Main St.