Volunteers needed for Hidalgo County disaster shelters

EDINBURG - Locations of about five disaster shelters are expected to be released later today.

But for now, Hidalgo County leaders are looking for volunteers to help staff the shelters as Tropical Storm Dolly approaches the area and becomes a Category 1 hurricane later today.

Weather forecasters expect the staggering storm to dump as much as 15 inches of rain on the area through Wednesday night.

Hidalgo County emergency management leaders want between 30 and 40 "able-bodied men and women" to staff the shelters -- expected to be filled by displaced residents in Cameron and Willacy Counties.

"We're looking for about 30 to 40 able-bodied men and women who are ready to work long hours and help their fellow residents," said Tony Peña, Hidalgo County Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Marshal, in a statement. "Volunteers' duties would include registering evacuees, coordinating with service agencies like the Salvation Army for feeding evacuees and providing for the safety and security of these special needs residents."

Peña said he is looking for volunteers who are teachers, nurses or social service workers. The environment at the shelters is expected to be stressful -- something staffers should be able to cope with.

Anyone interested in volunteering can call (956) 383-6221 for more information. Volunteers will be screened. Those accepted will be invited to a special volunteer training at 2 p.m. today and will be assigned to a designated location thereafter.

Shelter locations will be released later today.