PLAN B AND PLAN C DEMOSTRATED BY HURRICANE IRENE

I       

I interviewed Area Disaster Chair Ida White about her thoughts on Hurricane Irene and Rotary Readiness - Rt. Michele

Were Preparations Effective in STT?

Rtn. Ida: Even though we were watching and tracking Hurricane Irene several days out, it came far earlier than expected: on Saturday rather than Tuesday. THEREFORE the need to be prepared in advance with communication plans, flashlights, batteries, meds, non perishable food etc. is crucial.

(Rotarians, take care of your needs ( general rule of rescuer: the rescuer has to be as strong or stronger then the person they help) and then look around you and buy a bag of rice and flashlights or hurricane supplies for a family who can't afford it)

What was a Big Concern?

Rtn Ida: Sprint Service was lost during this storm so I had to use the internet for communication. Skype was extremely helpful. We will be sharpening our emergency call procedures in the days to come for Rotary that are already in place utilizing what we learned from this Hurricane.

What needs to Happen?

Rtn. Ida: Every club in Rotary North should meet with their disaster teams to discuss their emergency plans. Rotary II will be meeting next Wednesday, August 31, 2011. After that we met as a whole.Perhaps Rotary may need a satellite phone, as was once suggested by ADG Chance.

__________________________________________________________