FORT RUCKER, Ala. (May 8, 2014) -- Corvias Military Living, Fort Rucker Emergency Management and the Wiregrass Chapter of the American Red Cross are partnering to bring Fort Rucker residents and community members a Family emergency preparedness workshop at the Munson Heights Community Center on Fort Rucker May 15.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m., sponsor representatives will present information on what to expect in case of a natural or manmade emergency on and around Fort Rucker, including what residents need to do to prepare in advance for such situations.
"Severe weather season is here, as we have witnessed recently with the active storm outbreaks and associated flooding in our surrounding areas, not to mention the tornado devastation experienced by parts of Alabama and neighboring states," said Lisa Patrick, Corvias residential relations manager.
"As the season progresses, we feel it is a good time to provide our residents with the information they need to prepare for possible emergencies," she added.
"There are many moving parts involved in successful disaster response, and our Families should be aware of who is responsible for what, when the time comes," said Willie Worsham, Fort Rucker garrison emergency management specialist. "We coordinate our needs assessment with on-post directorates, as well as local agencies when preparing for disasters, and endeavor to maintain open communications with residents using every tool available to us. That includes Channel 6, Facebook, Twitter, radio and television."
Jack Porter, Red Cross Disaster Services volunteer, will be on hand to explain the vital role the Red Cross plays before, during and after disasters.
"When parts of Alabama were hit by severe weather in April, Red Cross had three shelters open and additional shelters remained on standby as it anticipated another round of severe weather," he said. "Mobile feeding vehicles were dispatched to neighborhoods where residents were cleaning up and digging out of debris, providing meals and snacks and cleanup items, including tarps, rakes and shovels. Red Cross worked with county emergency management agencies to determine where help was needed."
Susan Holmes, Wiregrass Area Red Cross executive, encourages Families to prepare and plan in anticipation of emergencies.
"We are working hard to help people be prepared before a disaster strikes. If you have not already installed the free Red Cross Tornado and Hurricane Apps for smart phones, I hope you will -- soon. This can be done by clicking on www.redcross.org/mobile-apps, or directly from the iTunes app store or Google Play store. Even if the app is closed, it can sound a siren to alert you if you are in the path of a tornado. Do not hesitate to share the availability of the apps with your Family, friends and co-workers," she said.
Volunteers are key to Red Cross effectiveness and efficiency. Without them, and generous donors, the Red Cross could not perform the wide range of services it provides when needed most.
Jamie Harry, Lyster Red Cross volunteer coordinator, will be available at the workshop to explain how to become a volunteer and will also have sign-up sheets available for future Red Cross classes. Volunteers are always needed, and those interested may call Harry at 255-7379.
People can take advantage of this opportunity to prepare for severe weather by calling Corvias to register at 503-3600.
Related Links:
USAACE and Fort Rucker on Twitter
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