New Van — Pausing for a photo with the new Disaster Response Van are The American Red Cross volunteers H.S. and Peggy Williams, Dorothy Wyatt and Brenda Sutherland.

Red Cross has new disaster relief van

It's based in Alleghany, it is here to help and it works free of charge. What is it?

The American Red Cross recently announced a new addition to its Wilkes- Alleghany Chapter, a Disaster Response Van which can be used to respond to fires and other emergencies in the county.

The van could be used to respond to almost any emergency and has materials on board to set up a small temporary emergency shelter. The van has items to meet the immediate needs of people in emergencies, such as diapers, toiletries, assistance forms and other items.

"It will take care of any emergency needs we might have until we could get the Sheltee up here," said Peggy Williams, a local Red Cross volunteer.

The Sheltee, a trailer that has equipment to offer shelter for 150 people, has cots, a generator, fire extinguishers, blankets and other items to meet more long-term needs, Williams said. She and her husband, H.S., volunteer with the Red Cross for disaster response.

Local disaster can include such items as single family fires and forest fires.

"We're here to serve firemen and emergency personnel, as well as helping victims of fire meet their immediate personal needs," Williams said.

In meeting those needs, she said Red Cross volunteers can give out emergency vouchers for a room at the Alleghany Inn, clothes, toiletries and other items.

A class on disaster response training was held here on March 9. Prior to the class, the Williamses in Ennice and Dorothy Wyatt of Sparta were the only family trained to respond to disaster situations.

A total of 22 people participated in the workshop. The first part of the workshop focused on describing what a disaster is, the community's response and the role of Red Cross Disaster Services. In the second portion of the workshop, participants were introduced to mass care, which includes supplying food and shelter to those affected by disaster, providing blankets and cleaning supplies and assisting with emotional and informational needs of victims. Those who completed the class may opt to become 'disaster action teams' that will be on call to respond in emergency situations.

Additional workshops, which are held at no charge to participants, will likely be scheduled in the future. Anyone interested in volunteering with The American Red Cross may call Russ Pearson at (336) 838-4563 or Debbie White or Shelley Williams at the Alleghany Volunteer Center 372-5457.

The American Red Cross answers an average of about six disaster calls per year in the county.

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