MY TWO CENTS!!
1. Most conception about the American Red Cross comes from WW2 when soldiers
were required to pay for coffee & dounuts. The American Red Cross is
required to go by the rules of the host country . The St. John's
Society(Englands
Red Cross charged for their coffee & dounuts so we had to charge as well. All
organizations are based on Federal Charters. The ARC is disaster services NOT
food when they serve food they normally charge a small fee,although the
cavers that helped out on lake placid in Sequin during the 98 flood were not
charged for anything. and was fed by ARC from Grand Rapids Mi. The Salvation
Army's federal charter is for soup/food kitchens hence no fee. The Charter for
clothing belongs to the Seventh Day Adventist Church(Yes they store clothing
all
over the United States) The charter for help in clean up goes to the Armish.
2. Search dogs. First response is paid FEMA search dogs and handlers. Second
response is certified dogs with Volunteer handlers.
3 Rescuers/volunteers. Yes ten thousand volunteers would be great NOT.
Things arrive at disaster sites on time lines. Responders are self sufficient.
including food and housing. Most people that show up initially are no help.
They
have to be fed,quartered .. The infrastructure is not in place to take care
of YOU.Say at home go help at shelters go to the ARC office and help answer
phones, open envelopes, play with the kids at shelters, read to them .just
talk
to the adults sometimes its just the contact they need. Got a spare TV see
if the shelter needs it. Talk to your local shelter manager see what he needs.
Everyone wants to be on the front line its exciting NOT. I was there. If you
was there you won't talk about it much,you can't...1-2 months from now the
major clean up will really be going on. If you really feel that need to be
there make SURE all your shots are up to date. Some will say how do you know
this 7 years American Red Cross Disasters Service Bi-State Region, St Louis
,Mo.
I expect most folks don't realize that ALL money or inkind vouchers given
out by the ARC during disasters to include house fires ,tornado's, hurricanes
are outright grants NOT loans. The job of the ARC is disasters and the
collection of whole blood. On average after a family is contacted by the
church,
other donating agencies,their insurance co. the family will most likely go
home with about $6,000 in cash and inkind vouchers, Then there is the money
that FEMA supplies as well,but everything takes time.
3. Money If you do go to Houston, La. Ms Only keep on your person what you
need for that day . Keep anything else secured. Remember your a "have" your
victims are "have nots" that are in the survival mode.
4. Gil and other are right about cavers having skills that others do not. #1
we're all half crazy #2 the desire to do more. Contact local emergency Mgmt
agencys in La,Ms tell them your skills and your wishes. Emphasize rescue,
recovery of remains, self sufficient,how long you can stay, organizations you
represent.If your lucky (unlucky) to be chosen don't forget rubber
gloves,surgical masks and vicks vapo rub for your nose ,believe me it helps
5 God bless
BOB COWELL
5806 CACTUS SUN
SAN ANTONIO,TX 78244-1260
HP-210-662-9171 WP -210-655-2144 CELL-210-724-9365
WEB CAM ubwell2020 @yahoo.com
EMAIL [email protected]
