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Local Red Cross volunteers help prepare food and drinks for New Orleans residents seeking shelter from Hurricane Gustav in 2008.

Red Cross month is coming to an end, but there is still time to join your local chapter. The Louisville Area Chapter is always looking for new volunteers to help out in times of disaster, in our call center assisting families of those serving in the military, and in the classroom training others in basic first aid and CPR.

But these aren’t the only areas in need of volunteers. Contact the Louisville Area Chapter today to find out how your skills can help the Red Cross fulfill its mission. Visit louisville-redcross.org or call 589-4450 for more information.

It's not easy being green.

This morning, I gave my first Community Disaster Education (CDE) talk at Yum Inc.

A CDE is an educational program given by the Red Cross to prepare individuals and companies for disasters.

Yum asked us to present a CDE due to September being "Disaster Preparedness" month.

I was not sure if I was ready, but it was something I had to do.

As a new Americorps member part of our job is to present CDEs. A CDE covers a range of disaster topics from fires to winter storms.

While the CDE covers a variety of disasters the presentation focuses on two areas.

The presentation consists of making both a disaster plan and an emergency kit for your home, business and travel.

I was nervous but it was not as scary as I was expecting. I still have work to do but I am looking forward to the challenges ahead.