March 5, 2008

For Immediate Release:  Volunteers sought to operate Emergency Shelters in Vernon County.

Volunteers willing to staff emergency shelters in Nevada and Vernon County are needed!

The repeated instances of recent ice storms, flooding and the frequent threat for tornadoes are constant reminders that as a community we must be prepared to respond to the needs of our entire community in the event of any type of disaster. 

It takes volunteers, trained by the American Red Cross, to operate shelters that open their doors after a disaster strikes.  Volunteers are needed to work in both general population and special needs shelters.  Red Cross Shelter Operation Training provides uniformity in shelter operation and also the necessary protection for liability issues. 

To help build the number of trained volunteers needed for this vital service to the community the regional Independent Living Center On My Own, Inc. in cooperation with the Vernon County Chapter of the American Red Cross and Vernon County Emergency Management has scheduled the Red Cross training “Shelter Operations and Simulation”.  This is a one-day training from 9:00AM to 3:00PM scheduled for Saturday, April 12th.  It will be held at the Osage Prairie YMCA in Nevada.  The training is free and lunch will be provided.  Volunteers willing to train to become shelter staff can register for the training by calling On My Own, Inc. Services for Independent Living Director Pat Chambers.  The phone number is 667-7007, extension 18. The registration deadline for the class is Monday, March 31st at 4:00PM. 

“It will take a large number of volunteers to staff two or more shelters” stated Chambers.  “ In a worst-case scenario these shelters may need to remain in operation around the clock for several days.  Disaster victims will be counting on us; can we count on you to be there for them

December 2007

No news for December

November 2007

No news for November

October 2007
Currently we have completed our county Local Emergency Operations plan and distributing them to the appropriate entities.

November 14th is Winter Awareness Day. More information may be found on the SEMA web site.