[StBernard] St. Bernard seeks emergency volunteers

Westley Annis westley at da-parish.com
Tue Jul 10 22:50:44 EDT 2007


St. Bernard seeks emergency volunteers
Posted by St. Bernard bureau July 10, 2007 11:41AM
St. Bernard Parish emergency officials are seeking volunteers to help out in
emergencies, including hurricane evacuations.

The parish's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness wants to
put together teams of volunteers with various skills who are willing to help
in times of need, the parish said in a recent news release. Volunteer
services will range from processing residents being evacuated during
hurricanes or other emergencies, to donating services as boat operators,
clerks, computer techs, equipment operators and other jobs.

"We need people who can make a commitment to help their community above
themselves," David Dysart, manager of the parish's Office of Homeland
Security and Emergency Preparedness, said in the news release.

Dysart said Katrina showed there isn't enough manpower in government to
handle all emergencies, evacuations and other needs, especially now that
transportation will be provided for residents who can't leave on their own
during an ordered evacuation, Dysart said.

The old Super Wal-Mart site on West Judge Drive next to the parish
government complex and the old K-mart site in the 4200 block of East Judge
Peres Drive in Meraux have been designated as hurricane evacuation pick-up
points for residents who need transportation during an evacuation order, the
news release said.

Dysart said volunteers would be needed to help register the evacuees
boarding the buses.

He also said there could be a need for equipment operators, ham radio
operators, mechanics and other jobs.

Eric Acosta, facilities security officer for the St. Bernard Port, will
direct the volunteer program. People interested in volunteering can call him
at (504) 342-6289 or the Homeland Security office at (504) 278-4268.




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