Untrained volunteers asked to stay home

? State emergency officials urged Kansans to wait before volunteering to head south and try to help with Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general and director of Kansas Emergency Management and Kansas Homeland Security, said it is important for professionals to assess the situation first before untrained volunteers go into the area.

Until authorities determine what is needed where, giving money to the Salvation Army or the Red Cross is the best way to lend a helping hand, Bunting said.