TOPSHAM — The Mid Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross will offer a series of free disaster response training courses, beginning Thursday.

The training is “designed primarily for individuals wishing to begin or continue training required to assist with local Red Cross emergency shelter operations; to become a member of our National Disaster Services Human Resources System; or to assist local fire victims as members of our local Red Cross Disaster Action Team,” a Red Cross release states.

Disaster Action Team members are specially trained volunteers available to respond to emergencies such as house fires, flooding, winter storms, and other natural or manmade disasters.

Register at least 48 hours in advance of the free Red Cross disaster training sessions by calling 729-6779 or emailing emergencyservices@midcoastredcross.net.

The following training will be offered at the Mid Coast Chapter office, 16 Community Way, Topsham:

— March 1, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: This introductory session explains how disasters affect people and communities and will provide information about ways participants can help their community to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters. This session is a prerequisite for other training offered by the Mid Coast Chapter.

— March 15, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Shelter Operations will give participants an overview of the American Red Cross policies and procedures for setting up, running and closing a shelter during a disaster.

— April 3, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Providing Emergency Assistance, Part 1. This course is designed to train Red Cross caseworkers how to conduct effective client interviews and provide appropriate assistance to help meet a client’s immediate disastercaused or disaster aggravated needs. The second part of the course will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 12.

— April 19, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Psychological First Aid. This session provides a framework for understanding the factors that affect stress responses in disaster relief workers.

— May 3, 6 pm. to 9 p.m.: Disaster Assessment Basic. This course provides a general overview of tasks performed by Red Cross Disaster Assessment workers in support of a disaster relief operation.