Member Roll Call
From:
Paul Skrbec
Date:
2007 Aug 02 20:57 UTC
Short link
> The Red Cross is well set up to deliver first-response care, and would
> surely appreciate the support. They have set up www.safeandwell.org so
> folks can search for friends and family with whom they have not yet
> connected. They're also on site, delivering food and snacks to emergency
> responders, and have set up a family response center at the Metrodome
> Holiday Inn that's catering to the needs of those who are dealing with
> losses.
>
> Their phone system is a little wonky right now, but their web site donation
> page is running. Visit http://www.redcrosstc.org/donate.cfm for more
> information.
Both myself and my partner are safe and sound. My employer (NWA) have reported
that none of employees have been directly involved. Our CEO has been in
contact with the Governor, Mayor of Minneapolis and the American Red Cross to
offer any support or resources that the recovery operation would need.
As a 10+ year disaster services volunteer for the American Red Cross and a
direct relief worker for the '93 midwest floods, '94 LA earthquake, Grand Forks
flood and September 11th (local call center logistics), while I am currently in
a 'retired' status with the Red Cross at the moment, I would like to commend
each and every rescue worker and member of the relief operations team. Unless
you have had the opportunity to be involved in the complexity of a
national-scale disaster like this, I don't think you can truly ever understand
the amount of stress that these people are under at the moment. Any disaster
operation is by it's nature, chaos in the initial days after the event.
For the any of us in the general public, I have this message: Please stay away
from the scene. Let workers do their jobs. Give $$ to the Red Cross Disaster
Services (if you are able). Most of all - take care of yourselves and family
during this time. Limit your exposure to the excessive media coverage and talk
to neighbors, family and friends about your feelings and experiences.
Praying for all the families affected,
Paul Skrbec
W-2 P-3
West 7th
St. Paul
.