PUTNEY — “We are the bridge,” says Rob Levine, regional executive of the Vermont and New Hampshire Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.
To respect the confidentiality of the tenants of 10 Kimball Hill left homeless by the Putney General Store fire, Levine spoke generally about the American Red Cross' role during emergencies.
Volunteers from the Green Mountain Chapter of the American Red Cross train and work all year preparing for emergencies. A call can come any time day or night, according to Levine.
Volunteers arrive on site within two to four hours of an emergency and assist disaster victims for an average of 72 hours. According to Levine, 72 hours is the usual time frame to get people's pressing needs met and until other support systems kick in.
In the case of a fire, says Levine, people generally need shelter, clothing, and food.
Where appropriate, volunteers also assist with mental health concerns.
After an initial interview, volunteers provide individuals with enough money to cover immediate needs. The money comes from donations to the Red Cross.
Levine points out that when American Red Cross volunteers serve during a disaster, they assist their friends and neighbors, not nameless strangers.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can contact Bruce Pollock, director of emergency services at the Green Mountain Chapter in Brattleboro, at (802) 254-2377 or visit www.gmcarc.org.