PORTLAND — The American Red Cross is seeking volunteers to help during fire season in the Pacific Northwest, the organization announced in a press release.

“The coronavirus pandemic will make it challenging to deploy trained disaster volunteers from other parts of the country should a large emergency occur in Oregon or southwest Washington. In light of this, the Red Cross is asking you to be ready to help your community,” Rebecca Marshall, regional disaster officer for the Red Cross Cascades Region said in the release. “Train now to be a Red Cross volunteer and answer the call to help if the need arises here in our region.”

Shelter needs are a special point of emphasis, according to the release. 

“Because of COVID-19, the Red Cross is placing those needing a safe place to stay in emergency hotel lodging when possible,” the release stated. “If hotel stays aren’t possible, then the Red Cross will open traditional shelters. To help keep people safe, we have put in place additional precautions and developed special training for our workforce.”

The crisis support group also is seeking help on the health care front from individuals who are either RNs, LPNs, LVNs, APRNs, NPs, EMTs, paramedics, MDs/DOs or PAs who have an active, current and “unencumbered” license. There also are roles for CNAs or CHHAs.

Those interested in volunteering should visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.