| First, Land O’ Lakes gets disaster-ready
By Sam Harrison
LAND O’ LAKES — In a state where natural
disaster can strike with little warning, First United Methodist Church
of Land O’ Lakes has done more than worry about disaster
preparedness in its community. The church has taken a big step in
ensuring the safety of local residents in the event of a hurricane,
tornado, flood or other calamity by training with the American Red
Cross.
After members of the congregation expressed
their desire to do more in the community in the event of a disaster,
the Rev. Ken Crow, the church’s pastor, approached American Red
Cross Director Doug Douglas in September 2001 with the idea of
designating the church as an emergency shelter. It was decided that
not only would it be a good idea for the church building to serve as a
shelter, but church members to be trained to staff it in an emergency.
Crow put out the call for volunteers and 11
church members stepped forward. With Crow that made a dozen, and they
began full training as American Red Cross disaster volunteers.
The 11-hour training was spread out over several
weeks and consisted of four different classes: American Red Cross
Orientation, Introduction to Disaster, Mass Care Overview and Shelter
Operations. After completing the training First’s members were
certified ARC volunteers.
Their commitment did not end there, however.
Members made and stockpiled “Comfort Kits,” consisting of
toothbrushes, soap and other toiletries, and items individuals will
need when displaced by a disaster. They ensured their shelter had
other essential resources, such as a short wave radio and flashlights,
and developed a plan to assist in staffing a nearby school in case a
disaster proves too large for the church to accommodate the numbers of
people seeking shelter.
Although there has been no mobilization of the
volunteers Crow said they have been placed on alert several times in
the past year, most recently as Hurricane Isidore churned in the Gulf.
Douglas affirmed that and voiced his confidence in the church’s
volunteers. “They have always responded positively and
enthusiastically,” he said. “They’ve done a fantastic job, first
of all in identifying the need, and then in following through with the
training and making sure the shelter is ready. I know they’re there
when and if we need them.”
Crow modestly summed up the church’s
involvement. “We just wanted to do something to help in case a
disaster hit our area, to serve in our community. Thank goodness we
have not been…yet.”
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