Hurricane Awareness Breakfast Brings Together Government And Volunteers 

Release Date: June 29, 2007
Release Number: 1603-654

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LEESVILLE, La. -- Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Voluntary Agency (VOLAG), local voluntary agencies and government officials from around Vernon Parish recently came together to discuss hurricane season preparations.

CenLa Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) hosted the Hurricane Awareness Breakfast, which was also sponsored by the city of Leesville, the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office and the Vernon Parish Police Jury. Officials discussed changes made since hurricanes Katrina and Rita, including new regulations regarding sheltering, evacuations and procedural improvements. Other topics included supplies, logistics and funding.

FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaison (VAL) Eva Williams discussed FEMA’s role in working with nonprofit volunteer organizations, state and local governments and emergency responders in a disaster. Williams explained how a VAL serves as a liaison between FEMA and voluntary agencies in community organizations involved in disaster response and recovery.

The American Red Cross, the Food Bank, United Way, Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief Ministries and the Salvation Army also talked about their roles and responsibilities during a disaster.

The breakfast served as both an educational session as well as a chance for community and government leaders to network with non-profit disaster service organizations. The goal was to forge working relationships now before a disaster threatens the area.

“The breakfast was a good thing to have because it brought government and community leaders together to collaborate on the effort of preparedness,” said Williams. “I thank our host VOAD and all those who sponsored this event for having the foresight to make this happen.”

Aside from the attending the breakfast, officials have been busy preparing for this year’s hurricane season, from updating evacuation maps to improving communication between shelters and law enforcement.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Friday, 29-Jun-2007 11:58:47