🚀 go-pugleaf

As Im sure most of you are aware, last night there was a huge devastating fire
at The Pointe resort, just south of Smithville.

In total, 28 condos were reduced to ashes, and at least 16 families were left
homeless.  Estimated damages exceed the $2 million mark.

At least 7 fire departments and nearly 200 personell responded to the
county-wide demand for help from Perry/Clear Creek fire chief, Scott Garrett,
whos unit was first one the scene.

Several community service organizations responded as well, including the
American Red Cross from Bloomington (which is also the county's chapter), and 2
different chapters of The Salvation Army.

The goal of these organizations during times of disaster is to assist the
victims in keeping warm, making sure they get some food, personal/hygenic care
packages, contacting relatives, and a place to stay.

In reality, the mission stretches further than that...
With a surplus of food, blankets, and coffee, often times drenched, nearly
frozen rescue workers will emerge completely exhausted after doing battle with
the situation for several hours and looks towards us - The American Red Cross
(and other organizations) to help warm them and revive them so they may venture
back into the situation.

Especially in such large-scale situations as The Pointe - where dozens of
people fall victim, and hundreds of rescue workers over-exert themselves to
save lives and property - is the help of volunteers needed.  

Able bodies are needed to prepare food and drinks, load American Red Cross
responding vehicles with those and other supplies to provide assistance and
shelter, drive the vehicles to the scene, setup everything, distribute the food
and supplies, and locate victims to process them for shelter or other
assistances.  The more people who volunteer to help - even partially - the
faster we can get to the scene, and the more people we can offer our assistance
to without the need for them to wait.

It is true when you hear other volunteers say that the greatest payment for the
time and efforts they provide is in seeing those who you help take a sigh of
relief in all the turmoil.

One of the reasons I have always been interested in working in emergency
services - from my early days in Michigan as a Fire-Explorer for the local
department, to later on working with 2 departments in Michigan, to now working
in Disaster Relief with the American Red Cross... each of which were volunteer.

Making sense out of chaos...

If you would like to get involved, please contact the Monroe County Chapter of
the American Red Cross at 812-332-7292, or your local chapter, or other
volunteer service/relief organization.

Thank you to all who helped last night - fire/rescue workers, disaster relief
workers, everyone...

Shawn C. Robak
Transportation Coordinator,
American Red Cross
Monroe County Chapter


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Shawn C. Robak           | Out the ethercard, down the co-ax, through the   
Indiana University       | router, across the bridge, around the FDDI ring, 
FF-2, 'Stunt Borg'       | jammin down the T3 - Nothin but Net!
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