The Kosciusko County Red Cross stands ready to deploy several of its available trained volunteers to Florida ahead of Hurricane Isaac to help set up shelters for residents whoíll need to evacuate.

In Florida, the Red Cross is identifying available shelters, assembling disaster teams and coordinating with government and community partners.

Preparations occur all year long for storms like Isaac. For example, more than 50 trailers with supplies to support hundreds of people each are pre-positioned along the Gulf and East coasts in preparation for hurricane season. Each trailer is stocked with cots, blankets and comfort kits. Kitchen trailers are also prepositioned with items on board like beverage containers, food carriers and ice chests.

The Kosciusko County Chapter of the Red Cross regularly trains community members who are interested in responding to local or national disasters. The next training session, called “Boot Camp,” will be held on Saturday, Sept. 15-16, at the Kosciusko County Red Cross Chapter building at 320 N. Buffalo Street in Warsaw. Training will begin at 8 a.m. and run through 5 p.m.

All those who are interested should call 574-267-5244 to register. All Red Cross disaster training is free of charge.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.