The Oregon Pacific Chapter of the American Red Cross will offer four classes to train local volunteers to serve with Disaster Action Teams. Members of the teams help provide emergency food, shelter, clothing, medical supplies and counseling to victims of a disaster.

The training courses will be held at the Red Cross office at 455 S. Fourth St., Suite 4, in Coos Bay.

€ "Shelter Operations" and "Shelter Simulations" will be held beginning at 6 p.m. on July 20-21. The first course teaches students how to manage a s elter in the wake of an emergency, while the second allows participants to practice the skills needed to run a successful shelter operation.

€ "Family Services: Providing Emergency Assistance" will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 23. Students will learn the skills needed to conduct victim interviews, complete forms, provide referrals and meet the emergency needs of disaster victims.

€ "Disaster Assessment Workshop," to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 8, trains participants to become damage assessment workers, who obtain and report property damage information and provide operational support.

All the Red Cross' disaster action courses are free. Pre-registration is required at least 24 hours in advance by calling the Coos Bay office at 267-9595 or the agency's toll-free number, (800) 738-8700.