SERVICE
BEFORE THE STORM The Disaster Relief Program Rehearses for the Worst
T
he dimming of the lights in the front of the house signals the start of the spontaneous natural performance, commanding attention toward the heavy, hanging, black curtain that disappears into the rafters of the atmosphere. The chorus of distant sirens is muffled by the low-frequency rumble of congregating winds; whose reverberations transform every standing object into a makeshift tuning fork. Interrupting an unexpectedly muted moment, the rat-a-tat of rain drops begin to drum against the old tin roof like a rolling snare. A deliberate arrangement of buckets and containers catch the notes as they weep from the ceiling, rippling their own echoed refrain. This would, perhaps, be a soothing symphony, if not for the thunder erratically punctuating the rhythm with clap after arrhythmic clap. These are the dissonant sounds of disaster. Though natural disasters seldom arrive with much advance notice, the Disaster Relief Program of Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) is constantly rehearsing for these “unrehearsed” moments. Areas in Appalachia suffering damage from floods, tornadoes, snow storms, and other major catastrophes require immediate assistance and the Disaster Relief Program is always ready to provide a rapid response. Volunteers and staff arrive at these scenes of devastation with the training, tools, and procedures necessary to make an instant impact.
“...it is the work we do when there is not a disaster that enables us to so effectively assist when we are needed.” Disasters disproportionately affect people living in poverty, particularly in Appalachia. Extreme geographic isolation, lack of adequate response crews and facilities, and hazardous roads increase the difficulty of reacting in any emergency situation. Blocked roadways, downed trees, and flooding can trap individuals in their homes for extended periods of time. These factors are compounded by the high level of substandard housing in the area, elevating even minor natural occurrences to potentially life-threatening events. CAP is uniquely equipped to act in these situations, providing assistance for both the immediate needs and longterm recovery of victims of natural disaster. Robyn Renner, the director of CAP’s Disaster Relief Program, is often asked about how her program operates when not responding to catastrophes. “I think there’s a misconception that the Disaster Relief Program ceases to
exist when there are no recent floods or tornadoes requiring a response – that we only spring into action when we are needed. In fact, it is the work we do when there is not a disaster that enables us to so effectively assist when we are needed.”
In order to ensure that CAP has the capacity to respond rapidly to urgent needs, the Disaster Relief Program engages in year-round trainings and exercises. Classes on chainsaw use and safety and CPR education are critical tools in the wake of disasters. These skills require regular certifications and are made available to staff and volunteers throughout CAP. In a major tragedy that affects a significant portion of the population, like the flooding in Johnson County in 2015, it is essential to have as many trained and certified responders as possible. In addition to these basic credentials, Robyn and her staff provide safety tips and trainings to a number of other CAP programs. Central to the Disaster Relief Program is an educational component, which seeks to minimize the impact of natural disasters by teaching preparedness techniques and tips. Robyn and Jill Stafford, the Disaster Relief Program coordinator, provide routine disaster preparedness instruction to school children throughout CAP’s service area and offer additional training to young people who attend Camps AJ and Shawnee each summer. According to Robyn, “Our role in the community goes beyond simply preparing our program to respond in times of emergency. We also want to make sure children and the families are as equipped as possible to react safely during disasters. If we encourage safe strategies and advance planning, we can minimize the damage caused by any particular storm. We can’t predict or stop tumultuous weather or emergency situations, but we can keep disasters from turning into tragedies.” n CHRISTIANAPP.ORG | SPRING/SUMMER 2016
21
