Building Community Relationships Helps When Disaster Strikes

Loading supplies at the UT Martin Command Center. Photo by Carlos Rodriguez/American Red Cross.

By Tom Guarente, Red Cross volunteer  

Martin, Tennessee

It was Dec. 10, 2021. A tragic day when multiple tornadoes were reported in Northwest Tennessee that would have tested the metal of most, be it an individual or an organization. When violent storms and unstable severe weather leave a path of destruction and chaos it tests the preparation, support system and will of those who respond to help.  

 

Many months before the storms the Red Cross Mid-West Tennessee Chapter Executive Director David Hicks drove many miles to build relationships and encourage donors and volunteers to create a process and partnership “just in case” something happened. Out of those miles and hours spent on the road came a relationship with Keith Carver, the Chancellor of the University of Tennessee Martin campus. This relationship was the beginning of an impactful process that included local government officials and their respective networks of resources. What was special about the developing relationship with UT Martin was that it was not limited to one individual. The Red Cross came to find an entire team of individuals at UT Martin who were “all in” on answering the call to help.  

 

When Hicks was asked what it may have been like without the partnership and commitment from UT Martin, his response was “I can’t even imagine.” The morning following the storm, Hicks knew people needed help, he placed a call to Keith Carver and asked for some space in a building to house the Emergency Command Center and Red Cross volunteers. Keith asked to get back with him after he made a few calls. Within 30 minutes space was made available in a building on campus, and residence hall dorm rooms made available for volunteers to sleep. The Emergency Command Center was quick to set up along with storage areas for the response needs.  

Red Cross nurse volunteer, Linda Sparks, at the UT Martin Command Center. Photo by Carlos Rodriguez/American Red Cross.

 

“They gave all they could to help those in need and support an incredible group of volunteers,” Hicks said. “A planned and steady response to a devastating tornado was only accomplished by the generosity of the UT Martin team and the countless Red Cross volunteers and donors from all around the state.”  

 

“Many individuals offer donations and assistance after trouble strikes, but what happened in this example was one where individuals stepped up and planned before it was needed,” Hicks added. In Tennessee, violent storms carve a mark throughout the state every year and those who support the mission of the Red Cross help to build these relationships and partnerships give the organization the ability to respond quickly to people in need.  

 

Donations are needed in blue skies as much as they are when disaster strikes. To find out more about how you can help your community as a Red Cross supporter or volunteer go to RedCross.org/tennessee or call 1-800-RED CROSS.