(Toledo News Now) - The Red Cross of Northwest Ohio helped facilitate access to safe drinking water during the August 2014 water crisis. This year there is an improved plan in case of another emergency.
"We are certainly more prepared because we have a better sense of the capacity and we have a better sense of where folks are that may be at greater risk than others that would need help," said Ken Robinson, Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer.
The relief plan for 2014 included handing out emergency preparedness information to neighbors and bringing in volunteers from other states.
The organization has been working with other agencies, meeting consistently to organize an efficient contingency plan should another water crisis occur.
"Last year when this happened, it was a surprise for a lot of folks. We worked with a lot of other agencies to make sure we knew who our homebound residents were and were able to provide them some preparedness information along with cases of water to have in this type of situation," said Robinson.
When asked about neighbors who qualified for assistance during the 2014 crisis that did not receive bottled water, Robinson said he was hopeful this year's protocol - working with government and non-profit partners - will ensure that no client is lost in translation again.
Robinson also says that current planning will likely provide a hotline during a water disruption, with United Way 211 processing incoming calls and sharing the information with emergency management. The 211 call center will be responsible for assigning mission tasks to the appropriate agencies as part of the community approach for a more effective response.
The Red Cross is primarily focused on those who are homebound and aren't able to access water distribution sites. They will still facilitate getting water to the community on site as well.
For more information, visit the American Red Cross of Northwest Ohio by clicking here.
