December 11, 1978

Red Cross readies shelters

      Organization seems to be the key to a successful emergency plan created by the Johnson County American Red Cross this year.  In view of last January’s blizzard, arrangements have been made to use facilities throughout the county as shelters should the need arise.  Stranded motorists and area residents in need of help, shelter or medical treatment in case of emergency conditions will be able to locate any one of seven locations around the county that provide aid.  “We are trying to be organized.  Last year we only had two sites set up.  Everything was set up over the phone last year at the last minute.  This year we are trying to be better prepared,” said Pat McDaniel, executive secretary for the Johnson County American Red Cross.  These two sites were located at Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin and at Bargersville Fire Station.

         In coordination with the area fire departments, Citizens Radio Emergency Southside Team (CREST), and Radio Emergency Associated Citizens Team (REACT), the American Red Cross will be able to provide food, fuel or medicine deliveries.  CREST will be acting primarily in the Greenwood area, while Franklin area residents will be serviced by REACT.  With firemen predominantly at the stations and acting in emergency situations, time is left over for those others who help with the Disaster Action Team, people trained for Red Cross disasters.  Teams will be located at Grace Methodist Church, Amity Baptist Church, Bargersville Fire Station and possibly Greenwood Fire Station.

         Supplies needed for possible situations are purchased by the Red Cross.  “We have set it up in Franklin and other areas to have people in groups for food, medicine, transportation,” added Mrs. McDaniel.  Community residents have aided in the past with contributions of games, food, transportation and supplies that have been needed immediately.  The American Red Cross has asked that if anyone has a snowmobile, 4 wheel drive, or any type of emergency equipment that is not used for any specific use to please contact the American Red Cross.  The Johnson County chapter will channel the information to the proper agency in case that the equipment is needed.

Locations that are available for stranded motorists and area residents include:

• Greenwood Fire Station No. 1 on Madison Avenue
• White River Fire Station at Runyon Road and Smith Valley
• Bargersville Fire Station
• New Whiteland Fire Station
• Grace United Methodist Church on Highway 44 east of Franklin
• Amity Baptist Church on U.S. 31
• Edinburgh Fire Station No. 2

All these shelters will be used in emergency conditions.  To determine if a shelter is open, call:

• The Red Cross
• Pat McDaniel
• Cynthia Cummings
• Your local police agency

 

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