Our region is no stranger to natural disasters and other emergencies. And, as federal officials tell states more frequently that they are on their own after flooding and catastrophic storms, the assistance we can expect is changing.

But while states such as West Virginia, Arkansas and Washington are figuring out how they will fend for themselves, residents know one thing is not changing. The Red Cross will be there to help.

The American Red Cross depends on people helping people — mostly volunteers willing to do the work, lend a hand, and be there when someone else is in need. And right now the organization has “an immediate urgent need” for volunteer drivers of the Emergency Response Vehicles.

“ERVs can travel through debris-ridden streets and deliver aid to hard-to-reach communities, serve as safe shelters to support recovery casework and help pre-position supplies,” a news release from American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley Executive Director Sharon Kesselring states. “But our emergency response vehicles deliver much more than just food and supplies — they deliver hope when people need it most. In addition to local disaster responses, ERVs are used to assist at large-scale disasters across the nation.”

Becoming an ERV driver is not just a matter of showing up and asking for the keys. Drivers 18 or older with a valid driver’s license, clean registration and who don’t mind driving a high-profile vehicle can take an online course, complete a background check and register to sign up for training May 10.

If you are interested and willing to take those steps, don’t delay.

The Red Cross says “The role of the Emergency Response Vehicle Drivers is to serve as a member of a temporary work unit on a disaster relief operation. ERV drivers deploy to large scale disasters to support Mass Care activities.”

In other words, they can be a lifeline when victims of disaster are at their most desperate. Consider whether you’ve got what it takes to help.