" To provide the quickest means to finding the relevant flood related info and
point people via telephone numbers, web addresses and volunteer contacts to get
the help to the people who need it, as well as show and explain succinctly to
the outside world the help that is desperately needed from the Ottawa
townspeople and surrounding severely flooded areas."
"— BonaResponds, a volunteer-run disaster relief group out of St. Bonaventure University, will travel to Findlay, Ohio, during St. Bonaventure’s midterm break, Oct. 5 to 9, to help aid and rebuild communities devastated from severe flooding in August."
"At this time there are 8,143 FEMA registrations received in the 8
declared counties. Many homes were destroyed with foundations cracking
and some even collapsing. Where foundations were left in tack the mud
and sewer waters went as high as 4 feet into homes (not just basements).
This is only what I have seen from traveling and receiving reports from
FEMA. At this time we are hiring case managers who will be able to find
the families in the most urgent need of assistance. As of last week
FEMA has sent all referrals to me until the case managers are hired. I
currently have 24. One family has severe breathing problems (on oxygen)
and is trying to clean out her flooded basement. I have advised her to
STOP and not bring another molded item up to be cleaned. I am looking
for volunteers to help her A.S.A.P. Another family just purchased there
first home after 22 years of marriage. The home's foundation is now
collapsing from the extreme pressure of the flood water. Another family
has 5 children all of whom have been running back and forth to the
doctor with upper respiratory infections. "
"About 170 Ss. Peter and Paul students in grades one through five are now attending school at Ottawa Elementary, while 124 sixth, seventh, and eighth graders have turned the gymnasium at Ottawa-Glandorf High School into their own self-contained junior high school. 'It's like staying at a relative's house,' Father Hemm said. 'We're all hoping we can move back home as soon as possible.' Insurance adjusters have suggested the flooded school may not be habitable for at least two months, but some have said it could be Jan. 1 before students and staff will be able to return."
"The flood of August 2007 most likely will go down in the record books as the worst flood in Findlay's history. It will be up to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to determine the extent of the flooding. The official report is due out in the spring, but looking at the raw data, Jim Sherwood, a hydrologist with the USGS, says the Aug. 21-22 flooding appears to have topped the flood of March 13, 1913 — the current record-holder."Another article on the Ohio flooding reminds us that those who lived through it had a very stressful time:
"No one who sees disaster is untouched by it," said ODMH Director Sandra Stephenson. "Grief, sadness, shock and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event like the recent flooding. It's important for individuals and families to take steps to promote their own physical and emotional healing. Talk about what you are feeling with family and friends."And finally an article from Disaster News about some of the work:
Stress caused by loss or a traumatic experience can sneak up on people, often appearing weeks or months following the initial trauma. Stress is often displayed in subtle but distressing behavior and emotions. The elderly and children are particularly vulnerable to stress after a disaster and may require special considerations."
"Olashuk said cleanup teams were still needed in the Putnam County city of Ottawa, especially teams with specialized heavy equipment. Volunteers there have already worked on more than 140 homes doing everything from removing appliances from the basement to ripping out sub-flooring, carpet and drywall."
BonaResponds-Ohio
* The pictures are all from mid-September 2007. As you can see there is MUCH work to be done! These are from Ottawa and Findley Ohio. We will have more pictures in the coming days so keep checking blog.
"A belated but nonethe less very heartfelt THANK YOU to
everyone who worked at Walsh in the past year. You
have all made such a difference in our school, and it
is very much appreciated. This year the school
sparkles; it is brighter, cheerier, and shows the
tremendous effort all of you put into it. . .
Thank you all!
Way too often the bad choices some college kids make
get all the publicity, while the majority of good
things you do get overlooked. I hope you realize your
good work does not go unappreciated. You set high
goals and you achieve them. Congratulations!
Honestly, I could not wish for better role models for
the Walsh students than the people in BonaResponds,
and I sincerely hope our kids (and parents, faculty,
staff, alumni, friends) will work with you in other
service projects. Keep us informed.
So, to all those people---including my family---who
helped us at Walsh, a sincere thank you. Pax et
Bonum!
Marge Mahar :-)
"BonaResponds,
On behalf of the officers and members of the Allegany Engine Company, we would like to thank the girls who came and painted inside the fire hall. Everyone is happy with it and you guys did a great job!
To the girls: Ryan H, Brigid H, Kaitlin D, Jessica S, Kate C, Caitlin C, Katie M, Tanya R, Cara P, Claire B, and Lynne M., thank you guys so much for your time and efforts, and don't be strangers.
Sincerely,
Tony Papasergi 1st Amb. Lt. , Francis Pezzimenti Fire Chief, Tom Henderson VP."
"Hello Jim. I don't think that I ever got the chance to personally thank you for the wonderful job the volunteers from Bona Responds did for my aunt. The ramp is sturdy, attractive, and up to code. She has used it several times and maneuvers quite well with her walker. She didn't believe that she needed it, and now, she says she doesn't know what she would do without it.
Bonnie and Larry were terrific. The young women were energetic and pleasant. The other man, whose name I forgot to get, worked constantly. Larry even came back Sunday, in the rain, and finished on his own. He tried to pay for additional lumber that we didn't get Saturday, but my aunt wouldn't let him.
It was a wonderful experience for both of us, and again, I can't thank you enough. Good luck in the future with Bona Responds.Becky"
Combined CPR and First Aid will be held on 10/13 and 11/3 from 9am-4pm
If you can make any of these sessions, please let me know ASAP so I can sign you up. There are limited spaces in each class.
BonaResponds has set up several local service days to facilitate those in need of a helping hand in the Olean area. The group held its latest local service day this past Saturday, working with the city of Olean to pain street signs as well as with the Allegany Parks Department to aid the construction of a possible new mountain bike park. The group also had plans to help install a wheelchair ramp onto the home of a 92-year-old woman. Last year, BonaResponds quickly hit the scene in the Buffalo area following the 'October Surprise' snow storm,...."
"Jim-a heartfelt thank you to you and the crew that painted the kennels at the SPCA this weekend. Even though the rain kept us from doing all the kennels (because we couldnt leave the dogs out in the rain), they managed to get a lot of them painted. They also did some weedwacking, helped in the lobby, and walked dogs. They are a great bunch of students and we appreciate their help.
We took a group picture and plan on putting on our web site.
Best regards,
John
SPCA in Catt Co."
"Better coordination, not zero coordination, is what is needed....we are trying to prepare for the problems that the rules may bring to volunteer organizations...and it should be noted that this plan was in the works BEFORE the article was published. Both in Buffalo NY and Enterprise Al we had already begun to run into the problems of no volunteers allowed without being "official"...we worked around it in each case, but I have to confess it was at least partially good luck (especially in Enterprise where the street by the high school was still off limits but we did get in).As I told Laura tonight, this is not perfect and we may hit snags along the way, but I truly believe it is the best way we can help people after a disaster.
We have formed a new BonaResponds Quick Response team...we are getting the basic Red Cross training, then FEMA CERT (317), then a day with local fire dept, police dept, and finally our county disaster response coordinator. By no means will we be first responders, but quick and able to help...it is an added burden and many/most volunteers will not be able/willing to do it but short of saying we are not going to help, I think this may be the best course of action. " [emphasis added]
"In an effort to provide better control and coordination, the federal government is launching an ambitious ID program for rescue workers to keep everyday people from swarming to a disaster scene. A prototype of the new first responder identification card is already being issued to fire and police personnel in the Washington, D.C., area.Why do I feel like I am reading Orwell's 1984? FEMA and others saying the volunteers are the problem.
Shearer...said the experience [as volunteer supply manager at the WTC] convinced her that agencies are ill-equipped to handle major disasters — but don't want outsiders pointing out their failings. Similar frustrations arose after Katrina, when people were shocked that the government struggled to take basic supplies such as water to the worst areas. 'They're more worried about keeping volunteers out than doing an analysis of what really went wrong,' Shearer said. 'Independent citizens need to be involved, where we have no ax to grind or cross to bear. But we will tell the truth, and we will tell what we see and bear witness to the incompetence.' Dickinson, the federal fire official, said the government is not trying to discourage volunteers, but he thinks there should come a time, within a few days of a disaster, when civilians step back and let the professionals take control."
