[ARRL-OK] Fw: Oklahoma VOAD --- DISASTER RESPONSE --- Situation Update #01 - May 20, 2013

[Mark Conklin]

Reminder:  Do NOT Self Deploy to Moore or any disaster.  See comments below.


Mark Conklin, N7XYO
Oklahoma Section Emergency Coordinator
Amateur Radio Emergency Service
918.232.8346
n7xyo at arrl.net
Follow me on Twitter @N7XYO

www.ARESOK.org

----- Forwarded Message -----

] 
Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:22 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients
Subject: Oklahoma VOAD --- DISASTER RESPONSE --- Situation Update #01 - May 20, 2013
 
 A message from the Oklahoma VOAD Chair
 
Jennifer Posten
Director of Member Services
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster

________________________________


Oklahoma VOAD ---  DISASTER RESPONSE --- Situation Update #01 –  May 20, 2013
 
Dear Oklahoma VOAD Partners,
 
We have had a very difficult couple of days with some very devastating tornados hitting several communities in Oklahoma.  As I write this we are still experiencing tornados on the ground in Oklahoma.  We know you all are seeing and hearing about the devastation and want to assist as soon as possible, but right now we want to ask you to do the following things to make our collaborative effort as effective as possible for our neighbors in need:
 
1.       Please join us in allowing the first responders to do the work they need to do.  It will take time to assess the complete amount of damage our fellow Oklahomans have suffered and comprise a list of how our VOAD organizations can help to meet their needs.  
2.       In the meantime, begin to take inventory of all available goods, services, and resources of your organization.  Also, please take inventory of your organizations personnel and volunteers with their skill sets and availability.
3.       At this time, PLEASE ask your organizations to make financial donations only until when and if other types of donations are requested.  We all KNOW not heeding this request can lead to the second disaster after the disaster.
 
IMMEDIATE  ATTENTION  NEEDED  ON  VOLUNTEERS
 
Many unsolicited volunteers are showing up at the Incident Command Center in Moore!!   PLEASE  instruct all volunteers associated with your organization or other individual volunteers or groups you may come in contact with to NOT self-deploy. Best practices include a collaborative response, so people are directed WHEN NEEDED and WHERE NEEDED so their help and skills are most needed and will be most effective.  
 
 
Thank You,
Rev. Richard W. Norman
Chair
Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
web site: http://www.okvoad.org/