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Photos courtesy of ARC Georgia Three Rivers Chapter.
By Guest Columnist Lisa Matheson
LAGRANGE - More than 100 people, including Red Cross disaster volunteers and representatives from 15 partner agencies, participated in the Georgia Three Rivers Chapter's annual shelter drill on Saturday, August 23, at the Coweta County Parks & Recreation Center.
“When disaster strikes, the Red Cross is ready to respond because of training exercises like this shelter drill,” said Jessica McFadden, disaster program manager with the Georgia Three Rivers Chapter.
The shelter simulation was a “hands on” exercise to sharpen the Red Cross chapter’s readiness to open, manage and close a shelter. Among the learning opportunities, participants set up cots, learned how to prepare meals and were oriented to the Red Cross’ Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV).
“We can’t thank everyone enough for being a part of our shelter drill—from the Coweta County Emergency Management Agency to the Salvation Army to the Coweta County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) and Coweta Community Emergency Response Team (CERT),” explained McFadden. “It takes a coordinated effort among our volunteers and emergency management and disaster relief partners to provide life preserving services in the aftermath of a disaster. The Georgia Three Rivers Chapter is fortunate to have such a dedicated and compassionate team of people ready to help those in need.”
The Georgia Three Rivers Chapter serves Carroll, Coweta, Haralson, Heard, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup and Upson Counties. The Red Cross is always looking for diverse volunteers of all ages and skill levels. Contact Jessica McFadden at 706-884-5818 or go to www.GA3RiversRedCross.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to submit a volunteer application.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit GA3RiversRedcross.org and follow the Georgia Three Rivers Chapter on Twitter and Facebook.