• Emergency Catering (providing meals for fire fighters and other emergency services personnel), 
• Emergency Registration (registering evacuees and answering inquiries from concerned relatives and friends),
• Personal Support to people affected by an emergency (emotional and practical help), and 
• Emergency First Aid

Australian Red Cross Victoria Emergency Services manager Andrew Hamilton said volunteers would be fully trained.

'We are bracing ourselves for one of the worst fire seasons in Victoria, and in order to meet our commitments to local communities at risk, the Red Cross needs to be properly prepared and resourced,' he said.

'People with their busy lives don't often think of volunteering, but we are urging people to spare some time to assist their communities.'

Red Cross has a long history, both internationally and locally, of assisting people affected by emergencies.

During the January bushfires, the Australian Red Cross emergency effort ran 24 hours a day.

One of the largest tasks was to serve more than 30,000 meals across 15 locations, from Hall's Gap to Yea, helping to revive the energy and spirits of fire fighters.

Red Cross volunteers also registered around 500 evacuees across the state, and First Aid volunteers treated a number of fire fighters for smoke-related injuries, ensuring they were able to get on with their important and lifesaving work.

To volunteer or for more information, phone 1800 246 850 and ask for Emergency Services, or email: vicvolunteers@redcross.org.au

Available for interview:  Australian Red Cross Victoria Emergency Services manager Andrew Hamilton (also a CFA volunteer).