Local Rotary clubs prepare to offer assistance to victims in Oklahoma

Update May 22, 2013 / The following excerpt was received in a message from Rotarians in Oklahoma via Rotary District 6450 Governor Pat Merryweather:

Many of the Rotarians in our club and our district have been directly impacted in some regard, so your ongoing thoughts and prayers for our club and district would be greatly appreciated.

At this time, our community is still assessing the total damage and the ongoing needs. The number of needs will be great, but fully unknown at this time.

Our district, 5770, is currently establishing the information to send donations. Please check out district website in the upcoming days for ways to support the rebuilding in our district.

The link to the district website is www.clubrunner.ca/portal/home.aspx?did=5770.

Thank you for your support of our community!

With signatures from The Rotary Club of Moore, Oklahoma, Jerry Campbell – President; Jeff Miles – Secretary, President Elect; Dee Ann Gay – Treasurer; and Phil Moss – District Governor.

Post from May 21, 2013

With video images of widespread tornadoes that cut a path of destruction across America’s heartland, respect for first responders also became resounding news in all the media. Whenever natural tragedy strikes, America’s first responders rise to the risky occasion to rescue others.  Other individuals, churches, schools and organizations prepare to help with financial aide.  Service clubs in local communities such as Rotary also reach out to assist.

The stories of destruction, injury and death from yesterday’s natural disaster continue to be devastating.  Thankfully, the reported death toll that had climbed overnight has been adjusted to a smaller number of “at least 24.”  The new numbers are less than earlier reports because the overnight count had included some duplication. Still, it’s too early for an accurate death toll as emergency management teams deal with the massive and unbelievable destruction of property.

Rotary District 6450 will connect local clubs to assist

“I know we are all devastated by the media images showing the loss of life and the pain and despair that the people of Moore, Oklahoma and Oklahoma City are experiencing,” wrote Pat Merryweather, Rotary District 6450 Governor, a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Naperville.  “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the communities devastated by their losses.”

Merryweather has reached out to the President of the Moore Rotary Club, Jerry Campbell, and the District Governor of District 5770, Phil Moss, to offer assistance—whether it be to provide financial, goods, hands-on service or help with all three.

Rotary District 5770 is comprised of 34 clubs in southwestern Oklahoma. Rotary International President-Elect Ron Burton is also from District 5770.

Merryweather noted that currently Moore and other nearby communities in Oklahoma are in a search and rescue mode as they believe there are many people still buried under the rubble. First responders will be devoted to searching each and every structure in hopes of finding any child or adult still alive.

At the same time, they are assessing their needs to aid those that have lost loved ones and the thousands that have lost their homes.

Merryweather expects to hear within the next few days what the needs are and how best Rotary clubs can assist them.

Editor’s Note: Be cautious and pay attention during these emotional times in the wake of the horrific news from Oklahoma. Via phone and e-mail, many folks are contacted by scammers who want to prey on your generous heart and your pocketbook. Before committing to any donation, be sure it’s a reputable charity. Sometimes it’s more beneficial to wait until unmet needs are truly identified before sending donations. This web site will keep readers informed of any Rotary or other local initiatives to assist.

Meanwhile… Help via the Red Cross

The American Red Cross already has set up shelters to house, feed and provide emotional support to victims of  the tornadoes in Oklahoma.  The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

For more up-to-date info about the current relief offered in support of residents in Oklahoma, visit Red Cross Assistance.

Other private funds that welcome assistance are featured in a story at U.S. News and Report.

As President Barack Obama declared a major disaster in Oklahoma, he also pledged urgent aid from the federal government to supplement state and local recovery efforts.

What Local Sirens Mean

Typically, May is one the busiest months of the year for tornadoes in the Midwest. Historically, May and June are the two most active months of the year with a dramatic drop in these types of severe weather outbreaks by the end of August.

Residents are advised to review tornado safety guidelines and develop an action plan for getting to a safe shelter in the event of a tornado.

For everything you want to know about Naperville’s Siren Alert that goes off in the event of a tornado or other emergency, visit the City’s web site.