Nine American Red Cross chapters covering 12 counties in the region will practice disaster response this weekend.
They'll participate in a disaster drill from 3 p.m. Saturday to 11 a.m. Sunday in Waseca, Minn.
About 50 volunteers, including 12 from Rochester, will simulate the opening and closing of a Red Cross shelter, and actually sleep on cots overnight at a Waseca school. Several Red Cross functions will operate in the shelter, including food service, staffing, family service casework and mental health services.
The Red Cross chapters have an annual disaster drill to give volunteers hands-on experience. This year's drill coincides with Severe Weather Awareness Week from April 15-19.
The American Red Cross depends on trained volunteers to respond to large and small disasters.
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For more information about becoming a Red Cross volunteer, call 287-2200.
