Rotarians prepare to respond to disasters

Pictured: Russell Koon, Disaster Aid USA representative, and Chuck Fair, Byesville Rotary President. 

Russell Koon, a member of the Cheat Lake Rotary in West Virginia, spoke to Byesville Rotarians about a new organization--Disaster Aid USA. Koon explained this program is a Rotarian operated project that provides shelter, clean water systems, tools, and other items to survivors of disasters in the United States and worldwide. Disaster Aid-USA partners with Disaster Aid Australia, Disaster Aid UK and Ireland, and Disaster Aid Malaysia. The organization also co-ordinates with the Red Cross, FEMA, the Salvation Army, and local Rotarians to provide disaster relief.

In the US, one goal of Disaster Aid USA is to provide a disaster response unit in each of the Rotary Zones. Koon reported that two units have been purchased and furnished with supplies. These units consist of a trailer equipped with tools needed to respond effectively to a disaster. The trailer will be accompanied by trained Rotarian and non-Rotarian volunteers who will work with other disaster relief agencies to help rebuild communities.

Other equipment supplied to disaster victims includes a “Family Survival Box” equipped with an 8 person tent, water containers, mosquito nets, a multi-fuel stove, pots, pans, silverware, tools, rope and other tools plus school packs for children, thermal blankets and a mobile multi-use container. The boxes are blue and yellow to reflect its Rotary roots and connections. Each box is equipped with wheels and handles for easier movement. Multiple tents can be combined to serve as first-aid stations or schools for up to 80 children.

Other types of equipment that can be deployed as needed include the SkyHydrant which cleans enough water to provide water for a village, family water filters, and solar powered lights. Life boxes containing clothing, bedding, housewares, tools, toiletries and medicals and miscellaneous supplies such as soap, candles, needles and thread are supplied in areas where tents are not needed.

Koon pointed out that although Disaster Aid USA is only 5 years old, the organization has been busy responding to disasters such as the 2013 tornado disaster in Moore, Oklahoma, 2012 Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey, 2012 Hurricane Isaac in Louisiana as well as disasters in Haiti, the Philippines and Africa.

Connect with Byesville Rotary at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283. The club meets 7:30 am, Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Walk-ins are welcome at the club’s meeting.