PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. -- Blizzards in the East, floods in the South and tornadoes in the Midwest are examples of what a busy year 2010 has been for disasters. The local Red Cross chapter is preparing for what may happen the rest of the year.

Between 80 and 100 volunteers have registered for the three-day Rocky Mountain Disaster Institute this weekend. It's a training event being held at Doss Aviation, a private facility near the Pueblo Airport.

Bill Fortune, a Red Cross spokesman, said the facility provides a rare opportunity for the agency to train a large group of volunteers in a variety of tasks, and to bring in instructors from across the country.

Fortune said caring for large numbers of disaster victims requires training, even for something as simple as cooking meals. He said the volunteers are learning how to operate emergency shelters, and deal with the physical and emotional needs of disaster victims.

Finally, Fortune said the Red Cross always needs help, through volunteer work or financial donations. Contact your local Red Cross chapter if you'd like to help.