News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
White County has established its own American Red Cross Disaster Action Team.
Executive Assistant Brook Luna said the county’s EMA leaders led the initiative after seeing a gap in Red Cross services.
“When there would be a house fire or anything like that, we were having to wait longer periods of time to get Red Cross, because we had no local volunteers or no local chapter,” Luna said. “So, they made contact with the Southeast Region.”
Luna said the group right now consists of three to five volunteers that assist victims of disasters or home fires. Luna said the team will be able to provide basic necessities such as shelter, food and clothing.
“As a member, you are able to respond within a 24-hour immediate support and assistance time,” Luna said. “So if we are called to a house fire, we are all provided with kits, and we are able to provide families with support. We have blankets, toiletries and stuffed animals for children.”
Luna said by establishing the team, Red Cross gave the county a emergency response trailer. Luna said it is centrally located to provide emergency support in the event of a disaster.
“Let’s say there is a natural disaster in White County,” Luna said. “We’re able to go straight to that trailer and pull out first aid kits, cots and anything that is needed for a quick response.”
Luna said so far, one volunteer has completed their training and has already responded to a house fire. Luna said if you are interested in joining, call (931) 836-3203.
