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 4th
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 23rd,
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.