Volunteers training to help in relief effort; Some two dozen from

Get a sturdy pair of boots.

That's just one of the lessons from officials of the Inland Northwest Red Cross chapter, who began prepping volunteers Tuesday to aid in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. About 25 volunteers, of diverse ages and professions, started the three-day training, scheduled to end Thursday.

More than 500 people have applied to volunteer, and training sessions are expected to continue over the next few weeks, Red Cross spokeswoman Abi Weaver said. Volunteers could be deployed as early as Friday. Not all volunteers will head to the Gulf Coast - some will work in regional centers sheltering those displaced by the hurricane.

Both Portland and Seattle are expected to welcome about 3,000 hurricane victims in the coming days. Individual families have also already started trickling into Spokane.

Weaver said the Red Cross' current mobilization of volunteers nationwide is the largest in its history.

The organization has set up more than 485 shelters in 18 states.

"Every skill set is needed," Weaver said. "We serve diverse populations and we want diverse volunteers."

Monday's general orientation included lessons on what to expect in the relief areas and the dynamics of sheltering and feeding large numbers of people. Trainees will learn first aid and CPR techniques today and get some practical lessons in setting up shelters on Thursday.

At the training, Weaver said it's important for volunteers to realize the challenges that await them. They will be living in hardship conditions just like many of those they seek to help.

"There won't be power, there won't be luxuries," Weaver said.

Director of Emergency Services Cynthia Dachtler told the volunteers, "The only ones we're taking to Baton Rouge are those who are healthy physically, emotionally, mentally, because there's a whole lot of ugly."

All volunteers undergo background checks and fill out health history forms. Depending on their skills and their availability, Red Cross officials determine where they can be sent.

Volunteers are expected to spend about 21 days at a time on the ground, working 12-hour shifts.

"Just seeing all the pictures on TV, I felt very compelled and very compassionate," said Jason White, 26, who is volunteering for the first time. "Everything they worked for is completely gone."

White said he wonders whether seeing the victims' plight firsthand might prove to be too much of an emotional toll.

Some volunteers said they thought their time was the best thing they could give the hurricane survivors.

"I'm not in a position right now where I can give a monetary contribution and I have time available," said Teresa Collins, 43, adding that it doesn't matter where she ends up going. "I want to go where I'm needed most."

"It sounds like they need a lot of bodies," said Sarah Chisolm, 21, a student at the University of Washington. "They've warned that it will be really physically demanding."

If nothing else, Chisolm said, she hopes to lend emotional support to the survivors.

"I'm hoping I can make people feel better and be there for them," she said.

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