| NTDS designates August ‘Disaster Services’ month |
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Posted: Monday, July 30, 2012 10:00 pm
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The Northwest Tennessee Disaster Services has designated August as Northwest Tennessee Disaster Services Month.
NTDS marks the inaugural Northwest Tennessee Disaster Services Month by asking people to join them through volunteering their time, making a donation or taking a safety class.
NTDS helps people respond to disasters, assists members of the military, teaches lifesaving skills and serves as a community food pantry host for the region.
It has served local communities through disaster response, health and safety classes, youth programs, partnering with international tracing, community events, support of the Armed Forces and volunteer training.
Rob Adcock, volunteer chief executive officer of NTDS, will be on hand to kick off the campaign at a news conference at 2 p.m. Friday at the NTDS office, located at 1260 East Highway 22 in Union City.
As part of the campaign, the organization will hold “Be a Lifesaver Day” Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the NTDS office. This event is free and open to the public. It will have free hot dogs and drinks, emergency response demonstrations and emergency kit and disaster plan instructions. There will also be a drawing for gifts.
“We know that it isn’t a matter of if, but a matter of when the next disaster will occur. For that reason, we prepare, and we urge residents to get prepared now before a disaster threatens,” Adcock said.
NTDS suggests three preparedness steps: get a kit, make a plan and be informed.
The organization has responded to dozens of major house fires in Northwest Tennessee and has spent thousands of dollars on response efforts.
The annual disaster response budget for the region has decreased, and NTDS needs financial support to get more supplies and resources, a spokesman said, noting they are approaching companies and corporations for major donations.
NTDS relies on donations to fulfill its mission to provide relief to disaster victims and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
People can help those affected by severe weather and other emergencies by making a financial donation to Northwest Tennessee Disaster Services, a spokesman said.
For more information, go to www.togetherforall.org.
Published in The Messenger 7.30.12 |
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