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ERV arriving.
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A small crowd gathered at the Welcome Center in Glennville on Monday, August 10, in anticipation of the arrival of the American Red Cross’s ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle). Much conversation and all sorts of questions were being asked about this piece of equipment. Most in attendance were not exactly sure of what was about to take place or what they were about to tour, but they were excited and anxious to learn about the Emergency Response Vehicle.
Lynette Harrell Greene of Glennville, local Program Coordinator for the American Red Cross, and John Wright, Emergency Services Director of the Savannah Chapter of the Red Cross, explained the features of the seven-ton, $70,000 wonder that holds approximately 2000 pounds of supplies, such as clean-up kits, first-aid supplies, blankets, meals and other refreshments. Providing on-site relief after a disaster, the ERV travels into affected neighborhoods and serves as a mobile feeding station for disaster victims, emergency workers, and public safety personnel.
“This is a big deal for Tattnall County and the City of Glennville. Having one of the four ERVs (out of the Savannah Chapter) permanently located here is outstanding! I am excited to get the Red Cross out to other locations and to more civic meetings so that more of our citizens can see what a great vehicle this is, what a benefit it is to us, and what it is capable of providing to victims of disasters,” said Chris Roessler, Glennville City Councilman.
Due to a recent realignment of the Savannah Chapter’s territory, this ERV, once housed in Sylvania, was strategically placed in Tattnall County for better support to the newly acquired surrounding counties. The Savannah Chapter now has regional responsibilities and jurisdiction for 34 counties in Coastal and South Georgia. The acquired territory stretches as far west as the Alabama line and as far south as the Florida line, and then back up to Savannah, totaling 15,000 square miles. Along with being placed in a deliberate position readily available to move quickly, another defining decision and one of the most important reasons is the strength and numbers of the Tattnall County DAT (Disaster Action Team) volunteers. This 31-member team is trained and ready for disasters whenever and wherever they strike. Members of this team have participated in the disaster responses at the Uvalda plant explosion, the Sugar Refinery explosion in Savannah, the Cobbtown Mother’s Day tornadoes, the Bryan County wildfires, the Long County wildfires, the Adrian tornado, and many others. Some were even deployed out to help with last year’s hurricanes (Ike and Gustav) in Louisiana and Texas.
This is a strong team of Tattnall County volunteers. This team participates not only in disaster responses, but also in area parades, festivals, and community education events. Most of the work of these faithful volunteers is done ‘behind the scenes’- at night when people are sleeping and during the regular day when most folks are working.
After learning more about the team, City Council member Tammy Waters remarked, “We are so fortunate and thankful to have the support of such a strong DAT and the services provided by the American Red Cross.”
Glennville Mayor Jean Bridges, City Council members, Chief of Police, Tattnall County DAT members, Red Cross staff, and many other individuals enjoyed refreshments out of the ERV’s window - just like meals and snacks are served to families when traveling through devastated neighborhoods.
“It’s great to have the ERV here in Tattnall County. It is an asset to our community and we are privileged to have it housed in Glennville. We appreciate the Red Cross and all that the staff and volunteers do for those who are in need on their worst of days,” said Mayor Bridges.
For more information, to learn more about volunteering, or to make a donation to the American Red Cross, please contact Lynette Greene at (912) 665-1197 or Denese Register at (912) 547-1110.
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