BY MARIA FERRER
Hurricanes. Wildfires. Floods. Tornados. Chemical Spills.
Car crashes. Mass shootings. Disasters all.
Comadre Dolores Perez is a Disaster Relief Volunteer, and she is
going to help us understand the impact of natural and man-made disasters, as
well as help us prepare ourselves and our families to ride out any storm.
Q: What is the definition of a "Disaster" and what do you do as a Disaster Relief Volunteer?
DOLORES: There are many different kinds of natural
disasters such as hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes & man-made
disasters such as airplane disasters, chemical spills, and sadly, mass
shootings. My primary role as a
disaster relief responder is to assist those affected by disaster with
immediate relief and recovery, such as help staying at a hotel, securing
clothing or food while the client begins the family's recovery plan. We also connect clients with community
partner agencies who also help with resources that help them move forward. Believe it or not, the disasters we respond
to most, on a daily/ weekly basis all over our territory are single-family
house fires and multi-family fires. When
the fire dept. leaves the site, and the news media leaves, we come in soon
after to help the families begin the recovery process. Knowing I can help someone take those first
steps, offer comfort and relief is a very rewarding feeling. If you know of
someone affected by a house fire, clients or family members can report the fire
to 1-800-REDCROSS. Simply wait for the
prompt to report a fire, have vital contact information for the client(s), and
a summary of their needs (such as needing a place to stay, needing help to
replace medical devices, medications, etc.).
Q:
Do you stay in South Texas to help, or do you travel to places where you
are needed the most?
DOLORES: Our responders travel all over the country to
assist with distribution of supplies, sheltering, feeding, damage assessment,
etc. I have in the past helped open and
run a 120+ cot shelter in Hebbronville during Hurricane Harvey and have helped
run shelters during the recent floods and storms that have pounded South Texas
in the last few years. As of late, I am
the feeding coordinator who secures food and/or snacks for clients and first
responders. I mostly stay within my own
territory due to the fact that I offer familial support and care to my
88-year-old mother whom I am lucky to still have with us.
Q:
What do you recommend people have emergency supplies for in case of a
disaster?
DOLORES: Families can work together way before the
storm hits to prepare their homes and ready their families for an impending
storm. Have enough food, water,
medication and emergency supplies to last from 3-7 days. Don't forget your pets & their
needs. It’s essential to have a GO-KIT
ready in the event you must evacuate quickly.
This kit should include food, snacks, bedding, clothing &
medications for 3-7 days; important papers, cash, family contact names and
numbers, toiletries and a working phone and radio with backup batteries and
chargers. There is an awesome American
Red Cross Hurricane app available for your phone, that has tips and preparation
lists to help prepare.
Q:
What can Comadres do to help with disaster relief? Is shipping supplies to disaster zones a good
option?
DOLORES: Anyone and everyone is welcome to join the
American Red Cross as a volunteer. When
I joined, I wanted to help with something that is bigger than me, not about me
(service to others), and assist to minimize human suffering. There are so many ways to help! Comadres and Compadres can help prepare
disaster preparation material, help install smoke alarms for our Sound the
Alarm campaign, teach students in school how to be disaster ready through the
Pillowcase Project, help run disaster shelters, help with office or warehouse
(logistics) help, or feed affected families during emergencies. To become a volunteer. simply log on to www.redcross.org. The generosity of others is always
appreciated, but due to health restrictions related to food preparation, food
& clothing donations & issues regarding their safe handling, especially
during Covid, donations in kind are difficult to screen or distribute. To that end, the best way that supplies can
reach clients is through monetary donations made directly to the American Red
Cross @ 1-800-REDCROSS
Q: Any tips on how to prepare and ride
out the hurricanes heading towards our southern coast states?
DOLORES: If riding out the storm, a family should have enough water (3 gallons per person-per day), nonperishable food, flashlights, backup batteries, cash on hand (ATMS may not work), a full tank of gas, medications, toys or games to pass the time, and food for pets. Families should have a clear plan of what to do and where to go in the event they must leave the area. Communication is key so that other family members know your plan as well.
Q:
Words to live by?
DOLORES: Live with purpose; emit the energy that
fuels or motivates others to do the same.
This post was published in the Fall 2022 Comadres Connect! Newsletter.
