Hurricane Katrina - 2005

When Katrina was approaching the Gulf coast the Red Cross had propositioned people in Montgomery, AL. & Baton Rouge, LA. I flew in to Montgomery on Sunday Aug. 28th. There were about ten of us who came on the same plane. We were told to pickup enough rent rental cars to bring us all to headquarters. After processing in I reported in to Transportation (part of Logistics) where we assign rental cars to people in the different functions that were going out take care of the people who were affected by the storm. After working a half of a day Monday (Katrina was making land fall that night) we were told to pickup a couple of heater meals and water from supply, and go back to our motels and ride out the storm. Although the Gulf coast wasn’t as lucky, in Montgomery all we got was rain and wind gusts when Katrina arrived. In the three weeks that I worked in transportation we assigned 815 car, vans, and trucks to disaster workers.

After spending a month at home I put in to go back to the Gulf in the Communications function. I was assigned to Baton Rouge. When we were flying into Baton Rouge we were diverted to New Orleans because of fog and we were low on fuel. We refueled, and headed to Baton Rouge. The function is actually called RTT (Repair Technology Team), which included computers, communications, networking, & supply. Communications includes phones, cell phones, radios, & satellites. At headquarters they were always changing things around, and we were always moving computers and phones. We also checked on equipment at shelters, and communications satellites a round the state of Louisiana.

2004 Hurricane Season

Hurricane season 2004 was a busy one. Alex, Charley, Francis, Gaston, Ivan, & Jeanne all hit the United States, and I didn’t get a chance to work any one of them. Plans had been made for the fall 2004. A back packing trip to Yosemite National Park, CA., and a wedding in Ecuador and I could not fit three weeks between them. So I spent most of September and October at the local chapter assisting DSHR volunteers get out to their Hurricane job assignments. Since I could not go, it gave the Director of Emergency Services a chance to work a national disaster.

Hurricane Isabel

Hurricane Isabel hit Eastern North Carolina Sept. 18, 2003. The disaster Headquarters was in Greenville, NC which is only 3hrs. away from High Point. Those from NC. who went to the disaster went by rental cars. (It is Red Cross policy that you can not use a personal vehicles while working disasters). From Greenville I was assigned to a kitchen at a Baptist church in New Bern, NC. I was logistics at the kitchen which meant I was responsible for the care of the part of the church we were using, and the two trailers that we were using for food storage. One of the trailers was refrigerated It was up to us to keep a daily inventory of all the food supplies on hand and meals that we prepared that day. One of the Red Cross partner organizations is the Baptist Men who run mobile kitchens. The group we had on this assignment were from Tennessee. The kitchen closed after two weeks, and I went back to Greenville were I did courier trips, driving all over Northeast North Carolina until the job closed down

S.W. Virginia Floods - 2003

Remember that Red Cross deal about being ready to go in 24 hrs. Well one morning in late February I get this call about 8:45am. from the Winston Salem chapter asking if I could help them drive the ERV to S.W. Virginia, and could I leave by 10:00am. It seems one of their drivers got sick and the ERV had to be in Virginia by that afternoon. I told them if they brought the ERV to High Point I could leave by 12:00. We met at noon and we were off to our destination the armory at Big Rock, VA. (that’s the name of the town). We got there at the appointed time. We meet the shelter team and set up for the clients to show-up. The reason we were there was because there was flooding in the area. The people in that vicinity were used to flooding, and they just go to the homes of family or friends to stay. In two days the only people we saw at the shelter were a couple of people who stopped by to see what we were doing there, and pick up some snacks. On the third day we were told to report to Roanoke, VA. where there was some flooding. There we loaded our ERV with clean–up kits which contain two boxes. One has a mop, broom, squeegee . The other kit has a bucket, bleach, & cleaner. We went to an apartment complex that was flooded and gave them out. We did that for two days then we came home.

West Virginia Floods
In May I went to Charleston, WV. to work in logistics. I did the supplies for the disaster headquarters. Which meant learning how to find my way around Charleston to find stuff that we needed to keep the operation going. Later on they needed a courier to go to Parkersburg, WV., a 2 hr ride one way to deliver financial reports. It was one way to see West Virginia.

Volunteering All Through The Year.

When Mike is not busy answering DAT calls and going on national disasters, he is helping out in other ways.

Presentations to school groups about Red Cross Services.

Mike installs the new audio visual equipment at the chapter.

Local groups collect supplies for our servicemen and woman. Mike help packs for their trip overseas.

Unexpected Ice Storm

What a surprise we to had on Dec 5 of 2002 in High Point. When an Ice Storm covered most of North Carolina. A majority of the city and the surrounding area lost electric service due to ice and trees on power lines. We opened three shelters one each in High Point, Thomasville, and Jamestown. The shelters were open for a week housing 191 people between the three shelters. Since we are a small chapter the hard part was finding volunteers that could work a 12 hr. shift, but everybody came through and we made it by the time the last person left the shelters.

The chapter has backup generator so that was our headquarters, which was a lot warmer than our homes which were like ice boxes. I was doing logistics by driving the chapter van to the different shelters supplying them with food and supplies. The strange part was driving at night in a city you had lived in for over thirty years and had no any idea where you were, because it was totally dark with most of the street and traffic lights were out.

We had gotten a call from the EOC at 1:30am. that an elderly lady was at her house with no power, but had a kerosene stove for warmth. She had called because her flashlight had died and she needed batteries. Could we bring her some because her dogs were there and she was not leaving them. So I went to her house with a couple sets of D cells, but she had a 6v. lantern. I gave her my flashlight and the batteries with the promise that I would bring back her flashlight with the proper batteries the next day.

2002 -Back to New York and Arizona Wild Fires

In late February 2002 I went back to New York to help close down a major part of the 9-11 operation. Though it would several years before the national operation would completely close down. We spent most our time picking up equipment, and cleaning out buildings that we were no longer using. On the way home I was standing in this long line at La Guardia Airport when one of the SAS people saw the Red Cross baggage tag on my bags, and pulled me out of line. I thought I had done something wrong. He was just helping me get close to the front of the line, and get to my plane on time.

In late June I went to Arizona for what the Red Cross call the NE Arizona fires. It was officially called the Rodeo/Chediski fires. Our headquarters was in a town call Snowflake. I was doing Logistic (facilities) again. One of the problems we had was that we got there after they evacuated a couple of towns because of the fires, and we had to get shelter agreements signed after they had been opened for two weeks, the shelters were in towns that were anywhere 35 to 50 miles away from headquarters. We had to move the headquarters, because of the annual the 4th of July Rodeo. So we moved 2 miles down the road to a warehouse where we stayed for a week and a half. I was asked to help close the operation with assistant logistics officer.

Heroes Campaign Comes To End

Boy did this month go by fast. We are only up to year 2002 in the chronicle of Mike's Red Cross history. We can't quit now because the story isn't over. Mike made a second trip to New York after 9-11 and then there were the Arizona Fires, Katrina and the satellite installation from Norfolk, VA to south Texas. So the blog continues for a while longer.

The chapter held the celebration luncheon to aknowledge the Heroes. Bill and Robin Goodman deserve a special thanks for their leadership in the campaign. Not all the money has been counted yet but the chapter expects to raise $30,000 from the Heroes. The best part of the luncheon was watching Bob Ziegler come clean. Bob has not been seen without his beard for 30 years but agreed to show some skin if his staff raised $1000.

New York - Part 2

My function in logistics was facilities, which meant that we took care of the headquarters building, and all the buildings we were using. I was assigned to mainly to the headquarters. It was an old office building that had an unused cafeteria. The building was not use to having over a hundred working in it daily, and thousands of volunteers showing up and wanting to help.

We had to add more electrical circuits for all the copiers, fax’s, printers, and computers that we were using. It was decided after 4 days of trying to feed snacks & drinks to all the hundreds of people that were being processed through the building to open the cafeteria. It took us three days to get the old equipment in working order, and get 2 donated refrigerators, and a freezer down to the basement where the cafeteria was located.

There were times we were running around the building resetting circuit breakers, because there were too many printers or copiers on one circuit. We would have to pull one of the pieces of equipment off the circuit until we got another line run to that area.

I didn’t spend all my time at headquarters. There were times that we had to go to Manhattan to get leases signed for buildings that we used. The West Side highway was a four lane street that ran up the side of Manhattan. The first time I was in NY it was only open to dump trucks and emergency vehicles; which Red Cross vehicles were included. Anyway, it was neat to see a dozen people standing on the island between the lanes cheering as the vehicles drove past.

On a day off I did get to walk down Wall St. with a thousand other people and get a glance at was left of the towers. About a week later I had the opportunity to walk through Ground Zero while checking out a facility. You have seen the pictures. It is hard to describe what I saw mounds and mounds of stuff four stories high, and a big hole in the ground. It is a sight I will not forget, but I had to get back to headquarters and get to work.

New York City - September 2001

New York - Part 1

Although I was not afraid to fly to New York a week after 9-11; it was different when you got to the airport. There were police with rifles walking around and your luggage had to be searched. The flight was uneventful, and it was all business when I got to the Disaster headquarters in Brooklyn. I reported in to staffing, health, got my hotel room, and reported to the supervisor in logistics. One difference, from other disaster assignments, was we all had to be issued picture ID’s. All ID’s were not the same. The different clearance levels were indicated on the badge. Clearances were; None, Full Access & Ground Zero.

The first week there, the Red Cross had buses to take us to our hotels. After that we had to take the subway. My hotel was at 42nd.& 2nd. To get to the subway I had to walk 3 blocks to Grand Central Station go down two levels and get the Green Line South to the Fulton St. Station then get off and go down one more level and catch the Blue Line to Brooklyn’s High St. station. To get on the train all we had to do was show our Red Cross ID badge.

September 11, 2001

There is always the question where were you when? I was home watching the Today show. I think I watched until both towers fell, and then left for the Red Cross. It so happened that they were having two blood drives that day one at a GTCC (a local College) from 9 to 12, and the other at First Baptist church in High Point from 2 to 7pm. When I got to the chapter it was already busy. People were calling to find out where they could give blood. This resulted in an overflow of people at the two locations. I drove the van around resuppling the blood drives with snack supplies. Through out the day we had to go and buy more supplies to take care of all the people that were donating. The college had to close at 1:30 because the blood people ran out of supplies to take blood. The blood drive at the church that was supposed to close at 7:00 was open until 11:00pm. We had to call local restaurants for donations. So we could feed the people who came from work and had not eaten yet.

At this time I was starting my second year with the Evening Degree Program at HPU. Since I had never gone to college, and at the age of 63 I was just seeing if I could make the grade at that level. I was carrying a 3.5avarage. I had no plans to do anything with my education except to say I had a diploma.
I had a decision to make go to school and not go on national disasters or go on disasters and quite school. I decided on disasters. On Thursday I told the Red Cross that I was available to go wherever I was needed, and went to the EDP offices and withdrew from the classes that I was taking. On Friday I was told to make arrangements to fly to New York and I would be working in logistics. On Saturday I called relatives and friends to tell that I was flying to New York the next day 9-16-01. One of my friends thought that I was crazy for flying so soon after 9-11.

From Old to New

In 1997 the High Point – Thomasville Chapter moved from it’s old location on English Road to the new building on Phillips Avenue. It was a dream come true to all that worked out of the old building for so many years. I wish I could devote time to cover the transition from old to new but time is running out. I did want to share pictures with you, because they bring back so many memories. Mike visited the site every day and checked on the construction. He took a weeks vacation so that he could help with the Cat 5 and Cat 3 wiring for network and telephones. He knows that building inside and out.

The new building was dedicated in loving memory of Linda Burrow Oxford, daughter of Ray Burrow and sister of Gary, Doug and Kellie Burrow. Ray Burrow and Family also dedicated the building in memory of Wayne and Mary Sullivan and in honor of the Employees of Wayne Trademark and the Congregation of Lebanon United Methodist Church. It was dedicated in July, 1997.

Please click here to view pictures of the ground breaking ceremony, construction of the building and the dedication. Once you get to the web album, double click on the picture titled "From Old to New".

Distinguised Service - Part 2

In 1996 & 1997 Mike was honored, by his employer Prudential, for his community service. He received the Prudential Community Champions Shining Star Award. A total of $7,000 was given to the High Point – Thomasville Chapter in Mike’s honor. Mike requested that the donation be directed to the Capital Campaign for the new chapter that was being built on Phillips Avenue. The donation was earmarked for the construction of the detached garage. Mike was proud to have the garage dedicated in his name. There would finally be a place for disaster storage – something the old chapter totally lacked. So if anyone wonders why he takes such an interest in keeping the garage organized, now you know.

Distinguished Service

“Please accept the following nomination of Michael Kane, Jr. for the Distinguished Service Award”. So began the letter of nomination for the Distinguished Service Award for 1997. Emergency Services Director, Deborah Dalton, knew Mike was the prime candidate for the year’s top honor. The Distinguished Service Award given every year since 1984 recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to both the chapter and the community through his or her Red Cross volunteer service.

It is Debbie’s nomination letter that inspired me to create this blog in honor of Mike. Even though I was a part of Mike’s Red Cross years, Debbie’s letter captured Mike’s true Spirit of Giving. I can think of no better way to honor Mike than to quote segments of the letter.

Dear Nominating Committe:
Michael came to this chapter six years ago as part of a volunteer program offered by Prudential. Prudential offered select employees paid leave for service on disaster assignments contingent upon their supervisors approval. Michael was selected, by Prudential, from numerous applicants throughout the country.

During Hurricane Andrew and the Mid-West Floods, Michael offered to take vacation to extend his three week assignments. When the flood waters arrived in Georgia, Michael was shortly behind them – with no more than two hours notice. When Hurricane Fran hit our coast, Michael took vacation so he could operate a Red Cross shuttle to Raleigh. During the Blizzard of 96, Michael served as a shelter manager in Greensboro. During Hurricane Marilyn, Michael took hardship duty in the Caribbean. While in the Caribbean, Michael taught Americorps volunteers how to drive on the left side of the road. Whenever a disaster has hit, Michael has always responded. Whenever it is calm, he teaches. Michael is an instructor in Community Disaster Education and Disaster Specialty Training. Michael was the first Disaster dog to do an education program for children.

Although Michael’s primary interest in the Red Cross is disaster service, he demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to the mission by serving wherever and whenever needed. He works at bloodmobiles, assists with Youth Leadership Development Camp, photographs every major event, serves on the Board of Directors and the Emergency Services Committee.

Michael has contributed a lot to the Red Cross, but he asks for very little. Michael has attended the Leadership Conference, Disaster symposium, and other Red Cross events at his own expense. He serves on the New Building Committee and is already planning to take a weeks vacation to help with the wiring. Michael thinks he is excited about the progress of the new building and it shows. I know however that Michael is excited about the progress of the Red Cross. he deserves to be excited about our progress, because people like him made it possible.

Deborah Dalton
Emergency Services Director
April 2, 1997

Love at the Red Cross

Here we are, day 21 of this blog. It’s February 14, 1996 and Jane Ronalter of the High Point Enterprise is interviewing Mike Kane and his fiancé who just happens to be me.

Jane wrote a lovely Valentines Day article about our Red Cross courtship. Mike and I knew each other for three years before cupid's arrow struck. I was asked to accompany one of the volunteers who would be wearing the Disaster Dog costume at Everybody’s Day in Thomasville in September 1994. Mike turned out to be the volunteer and the rest is history.

I had to smile as I read the article again. Mike and I spoke about or compatibility. We both loved music, gardening, dancing and, of course, working with the Red Cross. Now, eleven years later, we still like music but not the same music. Gardening is a chore and we just aren’t up to much dancing. There is still plenty of compatibility. I no longer work for the Red Cross but we both volunteer. We share a huge passion for travel. We’ve been to some beautiful and exciting places; Alaska, Nova Scotia, Greece, Ecuador, and Peru. Our next trip is to France to visit Mike’s son and daughter-in-law. Every moment counts - there is no time to waste. Now if we can just agree on where we want to go next year.

This picture was taken at Machu Picchu in Peru

Click on the picture for a larger view.

(July 23, 2005)

1996 Hurricane Fran

Hurricane Fran struck the North Carolina coast on September 5, 1996 with sustained winds of 115 mph. The highest wind gust was unofficially measured at 137 mph. Mike’s work responsibilities at Prudential kept him from volunteering for a three week assignment. Since Fran was a North Carolina hurricane, he was able to volunteer on the weekends.

The Red Cross headquarters for Fran was located in the UAW Hall in Colfax, NC. Mike was a logistics courier. He shuttled paperwork between Burlington, Chapel Hill, Durham and Raleigh chapters and shelter. He also delivered supplies. Most of these areas had been affected by the hurricane. Mike would collect DO’s (disbursing orders) and 901’s (client case history) from the shelters and bring them back to headquarters. He did this for about three weeks.

Red Cross Night at Hams Restaurant

Executive Director pledges to go beard-less!

I don't know how many years Bob Ziegler has had a full beard. I do know that he has been Executive Director with the chapter since the fall of 2005 and we have never seen him without it. I also know that he would rather have a beard than not have a beard. So why is he pledging to take it off? It's all part of the Heroes Campaign taking place this month. Bob has challenged Red Cross staff to raise $1000. If they are successful, the beard comes off at the end of the month.

Chapter staff are determined to meet the challenge and have arranged Red Cross Night at Hams Restaurant. Hams has agreed to donate 10% of all meal proceeds to the Heroes Campaign. See the details below for specifice, date, place and time.

Mike and I think its a great idea. Not only will we not have to cook or clean up, we know the donation is going to a good cause. And because I really want to see Bob without a beard, I might just write out an additional check just to make sure the staff reaches their goal of a $1000.

See you at Hams.

The ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle)

What is that big white and red vehicle that the Red Cross sends into emergency situations? The body is based on a big ambulance , but that is were the similarities stop. As you can see from the pictures the back is very much an open space except when it is full of supplies or food, drinks & snacks.

Lets start with where the ERV comes from. Red Cross ERV’s are stationed at certain chapters across the country. There are 7 ERV’s across the state of North Carolina. To operate an ERV you have to complete a course about the vehicle, take a defensive driving course, and submit your driving record.

The ERV is used mostly for feeding disaster victims and other emergency workers. It is also used to transport bulk supplies like cleanup kits and water. There are always two people assigned to an ERV for those long trips to and from a disaster. When we are on our routes at the disaster we take turns driving and feeding the clients. Part of the job is to keep the ERV clean not only for the clients , but we come under the jurisdiction of the local health department wherever we are. So at the end of the day we have to take everything out of the ERV and scrub it out.

It seems that the hours are awful long (7:30am to 8:00pm.) sometimes ,but it worth it when you see the smile just for giving someone water and a snack.

To see more pictures of "ERV's in Action", click here.

Mock Disaster Tests Volunteer Response

Mike has always been active as an Emergency Service volunteer. In 1994 he served as Chairmen of the Emergency Services Committee and was also a member of the Board of Directors. As chairman of the committee he played a major role in planning the yearly disaster drill. The disaster drill, held each year, identify strengths and weakness in relation to emergency response.

In 1994 the scenario began with a tornado touching down at 7a.m. in the Robin’s Nest subdivision in Archdale killing four people injuring 26 and destroying 13 homes. Two other areas in the city were also hit. The tornado touchdown triggered a chain of events. Red Cross Emergency Services Director, Debbie Dalton, was alerted at 7am.. She in turn alerted the volunteer captains who in turn alerted their teams. Volunteers were at the Red Cross on English road by 7:30am. A team was dispatched to the National Guard Armory to set up a shelter. Mike and four other volunteers were dispatched to Robins Nest to determine the number of people who would need shelter, food and emergency assistance. Every house in the neighborhood was assessed for damage. Damaged homes in the mock disaster were indicated by pictures hanging on the mailbox. It was determined that 40 people would have needed shelter. This information was relayed to the volunteers responsible for setting up the shelter. Mike remembers a great team of volunteers; Chip and Dawn Cutts, Merle and Ken Litton and Charles Stout were just a few.

Pictured above are Chip Cutts, Charles Stout, Debbie Dalton and Mike Kane.

Information for this post was taken from an article in the Archdale-Trinity Times, "Disaster Here Shows Red Cross Strenghs" by Kathy Stuart, March 24, 1994.

Disaster Action Team - DAT

The Disaster Action Team (DAT) is a group of about 20 volunteers who are paired into teams of two people. The DAT is the after hours emergency response team for the chapter. We are on duty a week at a time from 5:00pm. until 8:30am during the week, and all day Saturday & Sunday. A week of DAT duty is assigned about once every 5 to 6 weeks.

DAT members carry a cell phone so that they can be notified when an emergency happens. You can never guess when you will get called. You may have just gotten in bed at night or be sound asleep at 3:15am. I have come home after being in town all day and got a called a block away from home. I have even left my wife at a New Years Eve party at 11:55pm, for a chimney fire. We just know that we have to meet the client in a timely manner .Our average response time is between 45min. and an hour. We have a night person, June, who the Fire Department or Police Department calls with information about the emergency. June calls the team on duty and tells them where to respond.

No matter how small (a house fire) or large (a tornado) the DAT is the Red Cross first responders. We are the eyes and ears of what is going on if it is a big event. We call back and have the chapter activated if it is needed. Our chapter covers a portion of 4 counties. You can be in the city one call and the next be on some country road you never heard of at 11:pm at night looking for the lights of a fire truck.

It seems that 50% of the house fires are kitchen fires. I was at the chapter one day around lunch time when a fire call came in. It seem two fellows were cooking french fries for lunch. They decided to go out for hamburgers and forgot about the french fries. When they got back, the kitchen was on fire. We provided them clothing & food, they had a place to stay so we did not need to provide lodging. Dryer fires are another common fire. Make sure you vacuum under and around your dryer every once in a while and never leave your dryer running when you leave the house.

In His Spare Time

In between hurricanes and floods, Mike kept busy as a local Red Cross volunteer. The High Point – Thomasville Chapter was (and still is) Mike’s home chapter. This chapter serves the communities of High Point, Thomasville, Archdale, Trinity and Jamestown, North Carolina. The population is roughly 130,340 (2005 census data from city-data.com). Mike was a member of the Disaster Action Team (DAT). Members of this team were responsible for responding to house fires where emergency assistance was provided to the fire victims. DAT members also respond when canteens are needed to feed fire fighters at the scene of large fires or police officers involved in hostage situations. Canteens provide beverages, snacks and meals, if needed, when an emergency response lasts an extended period of time. The Red Cross usually obtains donations from grocery stores and restaurants to help supply the canteen. (Click on any of the pictures to see a larger view).

Mike remembers one particular factory fire in Thomasville that started during the early evening and continued into the next day. Around 3a.m. the volunteers realized that they would need to provide breakfast for the fire fighters. It is not always easy getting someone on the phone at such an early hour. As it turned out, the Sunrise Grill was already preparing biscuits for their morning customers. They were willing to help as long as someone could help fry up the sausage. Mike, Leon Wessel and one other volunteer were able to put together the sausage biscuits in time to feed the tired, hungry firefighters.

Hurricane Marilyn - 1995

The 24 Hour Test.

The Red Cross has a rule that if you say that you are available to go on a disaster then you should be ready to leave within 24 hours of being called. I was put to the test in October 1995. Hurricane Marilyn struck the Virgin Islands on Sept. 16th., and I had said that I would be available to go the Virgin Islands. As time went by I thought that I was not needed. A weekend had been planned for the middle of October, and we went as planned not thinking that I would be called to go to the VI. When I got home late Sunday night there was a message on the answering machine letting me know I had been called, and I was leaving on a flight to St. Croix . at 11:00am the next morning. I had to wash & dry clothes that night. The next morning I had to pack and get to the airport .by 10:00am. I was in St. Croix the evening of Oct.17th

During 1995 I had taken a couple of courses in logistics, and this was my first assignment in that function. I was assigned to the warehouse and driving a truck. In the Virgin Islands they drive on the left side of the road. This was my first experience driving on the left.. There were orange stickers on the dashboard that pointed left with the word ”Left” on them. This was to help remind everyone to stay on the left side of the road.

When I got to St Croix we were in the process of closing the operation down. In the warehouse we were palatalizing equipment to be shipped back to the states. As you can see from the picture we had to sanitize all the cot canvases before they could be shipped. We were also distributing extra food & clothing to churches around the island. The local Chapter had three cargo containers that they used for storage that we had to re-supply with cots and other supplies. I only spent 11 days in the in St Croix before the operation was closed down.

The Man

Tonight we are taking a little intermission so I thought I would post this picture of Mike taken by the High Point Enterprise in 1993. This was during the St. Louis floods and was taken by the Enterprise reporter who accompanied Mike and Marion Streater on part of their assignment. The picture quaility is poor because I scanned the old article, but I thought it did a great job of capturing "The Man" in action.

Tropical Storm Alberto - DR 444

Another Hurricane Season Begins.

Alberto was the first storm of the 1994 Atlantic hurricane season. It hit Florida in July , causing a massive flooding disaster while stalling over Georgia and Alabama. Alberto caused $500 million in damage and 30 deaths. (Click on any of the pictures to see a larger image)

Mike was again called to drive the ERV, this time to Cordele, Georgia. It was only his third national disaster, but the High Point Enterprise referred to him as a veteran disaster relief volunteer. This time he was joined by a volunteer from the Charlotte Red Cross Chapter. Once arriving in Cordele, they were stationed at the National Guard Armory.

In the beginning, Mike was delivering food to checkpoints manned by National Guard or police. Mike recalls the checkpoints as small camps in the middle of nowhere. Two or Three tents would be set up to house the Guard or police who were protecting the evacuated neighborhoods. As the water receded, the ERV was able to get closer to the homes. The flooding in this area was different than the St. Louis floods. The homes affected were flooded by a nearby lake not a river. Mike remembers the people being very surprised that the Red Cross brought food to them. They didn't expect it. Having the food brought to them allowed them to stay in their home and saved them valuable time as they started the rebuilding process.

All In A Days Work

As Mass Care volunteers, Mike and Marion spent their day transporting lunch and dinner to flood victims and emergency workers. Each Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) was assigned a specific route that was followed each day. Food preparation was already underway when Mike and Marion reported to the Edmonton Baptist Church each morning at 7:30am. Most meals were prepared by the members of the church but sometimes Mike and Marion helped make sandwiches. He recalls assembly lines of sandwich fixings. One person got the bread out the next spread mustard, the next put the lunch meat on and someone else wrapped it. He estimates they made 2000 sandwiches in a couple hours. Maybe that's why many volunteers come back from an assignment vowing never to look at another peanut butter and jelly or ham sandwich again.

Aside from helping with the food preparation, it was the responsibility of the ERV driver to make sure the vehicle was stocked with the proper supplies. They would pack the truck with Cambros of hot food, sandwiches, snacks, drinks and sometimes fruit. (We will take a closer look at the ERV and mass care on a future post). Mike's route took about two hours to drive. They fed families in two trailer parks, families that had homes on higher ground but surrounded by water and also police and National Guard who were stationed at certain checkpoints.

Families who lived on higher ground were cut off from the roads and came in by boat to pick up their meals. The ERV would drive to a certain intersection and wait for the boats to come in. Mike said it was the strangest thing seeing boats come through the cornfields. There was one fellow they nicknamed the Oreo Man. The older gentleman loved Oreo cookies. Mike and Marian would hide away the extra cookies, saving them for the Oreo man. I wonder if the Oreo man ever thinks of the two Red Cross volunteers who brought a little bit of joy to his day?

After lunch the ERV was brought back to the church, cleaned and restocked for the evening run. The long day ended around 7:30pm but only after the Cambros were washed and the ERV cleaned. Most volunteers worked seven days on and one day off. It had to be exhausting but the reward of helping others must have been far greater than the discomfort.

If you would like to see more pictures that Mike took in St. Louis, Click here to view the web album. When you get to the Picasa web page, double click on the photo. This will open up another screen where you can start a slideshow or look at the individual pictures.

Below is a picture of Mike and Marion at High Point - Thomasville Chapter when it was located on English Road.

Mike and Marion's 700 Mile Adventure

July, 1993 brought heavy rain to an already saturated Midwest. The large amounts of rain sent record setting crests down the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Both crests met near St. Louis were the two rivers join. This flood has been called one of the worst such U.S. disasters since the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. According to Wikipedia, the flood was among the most costly, and devastating to have occurred with $15 billion in damages as well as the duration of the flood, and the number of people affected.

Mike and fellow volunteer Marion Streater got less that 24 hour notice that they were needed to drive the Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) from Wisnton-Salem, NC to St. Louis, MO. Driving the ERV was something neither Mike nor Marion had ever done. Mike had taken the standard ERV training course which consisted of class lecture and a test drive around the block. Marion had not yet had time to take the course. In fact, this was her first disaster assignment. On July 14th they set off on the 700 mile journey. It was slow going at the beginning as they stopped in every town between Winston-Salem and Franfort, KY looking for boots for Marion. They knew there was a good possibility they would have to wade through some water. As it turned out. Marion only had to wear her boots once as she waded into water to get closer to people coming in on a boat.

The long drive gave them plenty of practice driving the ERV. It's something they would do plenty of over the next couple of weeks.

Tomorrow - Mike and Marion provide meals to flood victims and emergency workers.

Volunteer Responds to Disaster

This is the title of a newspaper article in yesterday’s High Point Enterprise. The article covered the disaster response of devastation caused by the Alabama tornado this past Thursday. Red Cross volunteer Harrison Faust, who had just returned from a three week disaster assignment in Florida on Wednesday night, shipped out again Friday morning. This is not an uncommon occurrence at the High Point – Thomasville Chapter. Disasters happen locally or nationally and volunteers respond. During a busy weather season, its not uncommon to hear about five or more being out at the same time – all in different locations.


This has not always been the case. In 1992, when Mike was deployed to Louisiana for Hurricane Andrew he knew it was a significant event in his life, but I don’t think he counted on being a local celebrity. His send off at the airport included TV camera’s and reporters who followed him right up to the boarding gate. That was back in the olden days when anyone could walk right up to the gate. Once Mike arrived in Louisiana he had to call a reporter at the High Point Enterprise every couple of days and give an update on what he was doing. He also called in to WMFR Radio to talk about his experience. On his next assignment in 1993, he and fellow volunteer Marion Streater, were accompanied by Enterpriser reporter Tommye Morrison. It was not so common back then for the average person to leave their job and home for three weeks and go to work in a harsh, stressful environment.

Reflecting back on the old news stories, I think they were an important factor in the growth of the chapter’s volunteer base. The attention given to Mike Kane and fellow volunteer Leon Wessel conveyed the need for others to respond – and they did. Of course it started way before Mike or I came to the Red Cross. I do not mean to take anything away from those that served our community through disaster services. I just don’t have that history to relate to. However, I did see the significant changes that took place in the early 1990’s. Mike Kane, Leon Wessel, Marion Streater, were only a few of the volunteers that gave their time and talents to serve others. Also, Dottie Cress, Lori Copelan, Barbara Osgood and Debbie Dalton are all staff leaders that developed what is now a vital emergency response team.

Hurricane Andrew - DR 850

Mike spent his 30th Anniversary with Prudential serving on his first national disaster. He flew to Jackson Mississippi on August 26, 1992 before going to disaster headquarters in Baton Rouge, LA. His first National assignment was to assess damage caused by Hurricane Andrew.

Getting Ready to go on a national assignment can be a bit stressful, especially if it is your first one. Disaster volunteers are weather conscience people. Warning of severe weather approaching starts the clock ticking in every volunteer’s mind. When will it get here? Where will I be? What plans do I need to change? You wash your clothes and your bags are ready to be packed – just in case they need you. Hurricanes give you plenty of warning. Tornadoes and earthquakes do not.

Mike knew Hurricane Andrew was on the way. It had been many months since he had received his training in damage assessment but he was eager to go. He, along with other volunteers, would drive through affected neighborhoods and categorize the damage as minor, major, or destroyed. This information would be used by the Red Cross to estimate the number of shelters needed and the number of people to feed. The information also serves an additional purpose. It can be used to verify the legitimacy of a request for assistance from a prospective client and minimizes fraudulent claims.

Mike learned a lot on his first disaster assignment. The three weeks he spent in Louisiana taught him more than he could ever learn in a classroom. Volunteers who serve on national disasters bring back new knowledge and valuable skills that benefit their local community. It’s a good feeling to know that, should a major disaster happen in High Point, Red Cross volunteers from across the country would be here to help, but it feels even better to know that we have experts, right here at home, ready to respond 24-7.

Are you a new blogger?

Now that you have found this blog, make sure you bookmark it in your web browser. Then you can easily check back each day and see what's new.

Have you noticed the little "comment" link that follows each day's post? You can click on the link and a new screen will open up and allow you to leave a message. We have enjoyed reading the few comments and would love to see more. It may take a little while for the comment to appear because it has to be moderated for content, but by the end of the day it will appear.

Terri Disclaimer
Blogging is very new to me, so bear with me as I learn. And please do not judge me too harshly for misspelled words, typos and poor grammer. Something that looks okay one day shows up as a glaring mistake the next. I'm trying not to stress out over it too much because its suppose to be a fun project and gosh darn it, I'm going to have fun doing it!

It All Began at the Rock

I guess they don't call it "The Rock" anymore . Mike worked for Prudential a total of 35 years. He started in Millville, New Jersey, then moved to High Point when they opened the new location at College Village Shopping Center. He was there when Prudential closed its High Point operations at the Piedmont Parkway location in 1998.

Prudential was a community oriented company. The company and its employees exhibited the true “Spirit of Giving”. Prudential enabled its Red Cross disaster volunteers to be away from their jobs for one, three week assignment each year. Mike never would have been able to do this without the help of his co-workers. Their encouragement and appreciation for what he did meant a great deal and is something he will never forget.

Mike began his Red Cross career in 1991 while working at Prudential. A unique partnership with the Red Cross enabled Prudential employees to become trained Red Cross Emergency Service volunteers. Pru Red Cross volunteers completed the basic disaster assistance training then continued on with specialized training in their area of interest. After successfully completing all the requirements, they were ready to assist with local or national emergencies.

When Mike found out about the new volunteer program, he went to the local Red Cross Chapter, then located on English Road, and inquired about disaster training. The High Point –Thomasville Chapter was much smaller at that time. I know because I was Red Cross staff at that time. We had a few, dedicated disaster volunteers but for the most part, paid staff was deployed during major national disasters. The Chapter did not offer any disaster training classes. So Mike went to Greensboro and got the basic training there. He then returned to our chapter and announced he was ready to go on a Disaster. It wasn’t until the arrival of Hurricane Andrew in 1992 that he actually got to put his training to work. Mike said it was hard being a newly trained volunteer and having nowhere to go. He was nervous he would forget his training yet he couldn’t wish a disaster to happen. It’s just not right to look forward to something bad happening.

A Few Examples of Prudential Spirit
Employees collected and assembled items for Red Cross “Comfort Kits” See the picture above. Each kit included personal grooming items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, moisturizer, disposable shavers, washcloth, deodorant. The kits were given to families who had been displaced from their homes do to fire.

They also made blankets for disaster victims. Bolts of red flannel were purchased. During their lunch hour, Pru ladies set up four sewing machines and finished the edge of each blanket. Some of these blankets are still being used by the Red Cross today.

Prudential employees donated lifesaving blood four times a year at company sponsored blood drives. Mike has donated over 14 gallons of blood to date.