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Early Red Cross poster by David Henry Souter
- Credit:
Early Red Cross poster by David Henry Souter
Thursday, 17 April 2014 - 16:45
Red Cross preps Dutch crisis team
The Dutch Red Cross wants to set up a network of volunteers that will spring into action in case of an emergency. This specific group of volunteers must not have any other tie to the Red Cross.
This kind of volunteer action group has already seen success in places like Austria and Germany. There have been good experiences with incidents such as floods, where they fill sandbags, gather funding or translate texts for internationals. Volunteer groups also help in search actions for missing people.
Red Cross spokesperson Hanna Emmering emphasizes on Radio 1 that this plan is still in its infancy. If the plan is approved, then volunteers can announce themselves at the Red Cross and explain their talents and skills. They will then be called when there is an emergency with which their help could be used.
At this time, the Red Cross already works with 32,000 volunteers. These are constantly being trained to make sure they are prepared in emergency situations and disasters.
Red Cross spokesperson Hanna Emmering emphasizes on Radio 1 that this plan is still in its infancy. If the plan is approved, then volunteers can announce themselves at the Red Cross and explain their talents and skills. They will then be called when there is an emergency with which their help could be used.
At this time, the Red Cross already works with 32,000 volunteers. These are constantly being trained to make sure they are prepared in emergency situations and disasters.