Disaster Support
Ernie Potter - Team Leader

       Disaster Support Team
Mission Statement: To help and support our church members and friends of the congregation in time of disaster.

Our quarterly Team meetings are held on the 4^th Tuesday in Feb., May, Aug. & Nov. at 3:30 PM.

                                                                                        Newsletter
 

DISASTER SUPPORT TEAM

Ernie Potter, Team Leader

                                             CODE  RED !!

 

Macon County Emergency Management Services (EMS) has just added a NEW feature at the Web site for Macon County  www.maconnc.org  called CODE RED. You just click on the box (in the right column) to enroll for the service.

   After completing the brief form (name, address, phone numbers & e-mail address), you will be notified by your local EMS in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts. Examples include: evacuation notices, bio-terrorism alerts, boil water notices, and missing child reports.

   It is FREE !  You can change your selections at any time by re-enrolling at the Web site.  The registration for this service is voluntary but you are encouraged to do so.  Please let me know if you have any questions or need assistance.

   2009 has been a productive year for the DST. We have completed both our Team & Training Manuals, worked on our trailer, and added people to help as Dispatchers and Zone Coordinators. Our 'mock' disaster drills helped us to evaluate our reporting procedures, response times, assistance capabilities, and some equipment and supply needs, then make necessary evaluations for improvements. Looking forward to 2010 !

   Our NEW Dispatchers, that have been 'assigned' to specific Shepherds are – Mary Ellen Arney, Ann Blake, Barbara Craig, Betty Croft, Crystal King, Mary McLaughlin, Connie O'Neill, Jeannette Poff, Sue Roberts, Ruth Spring, Mary Trafford and Eleanor Wallace. Our thanks to them for their willingness to serve.

   Our next scheduled quarterly Team meeting will be held on February 23^rd,  2010 at 3:30 PM.

 

ARE YOU READY ?

     Winter storms, though quiet in nature, are actually very dangerous. You should prepare for winter storms by storing emergency items such as candles, drinking water, and food that doesn't require cooking. Make sure you have a working transistor radio and flashlight in case of a power outage. Don't travel unless it's absolutely necessary, and if you must travel, leave with a full tank of gas. Let a friend or family member know that you are leaving, what route you'll be taking, and when you expect to arrive at your destination. Take a cellular phone with you if possible. If local officials have advised against travel, observe their warnings and stay home. Winter storms take the lives of hundreds of people every year who refuse to heed weather warnings. If you feel that you must travel during a winter storm, be sure to have the proper equipment including snow tires or chains as well as winter storm supplies like sand, shovels, and emergency blankets. If you get stuck or your car breaks down, stay in your car. It's very easy to lose your way in a white out.

     Cold Weather and Winter Storm Protection Tips: Conserve water, especially if you are on a well. Keep doors, windows and draperies closed to retain heat. Be extremely careful of fire hazards caused by candles or other flammable sources. Never leave a candle unattended. Stay indoors during winter storms. Dress warmly and in layers and cover your head, especially children. Avoid alcohol. Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks to avoid falls. Be extremely careful shoveling snow. Take frequent breaks and avoid overexertion.

      Protect yourself from CO poisoning: Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home.

     When using kerosene heaters, gas lanterns or stoves indoors, it is extremely important to maintain ventilation to avoid a build-up of toxic fumes. Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a house, garage, tent, or camper. Keep vents and flues free of debris. If CO poisoning is suspected, consult a health care professional right away.

Warnings signs of hypothermia:

     Symptoms: Adult and child symptoms include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness. Infant symptoms include: bright red, cold skin and/or very low energy.

What to do: If you notice any of these signs, the situation is an emergency —

Get medical attention immediately!

Have disaster supplies on hand, in case the power goes out.

Flashlight and extra batteries          
Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
First aid kit                                     
Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type)
Nonelectric can opener                   
One-week supply of essential prescription medications
Extra blankets and sleeping bags
One-week supply of food (include items that do not require refrigeration or cooking in case the power is shut off)

Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during a winter storm (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.