Fayette County Emergency Management Agency met with a panel of local experts and volunteers on Thursday, September 1, 7:00 p.m., at the Fayette County Library to discuss local community efforts to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina who have evacuated to Fayette County. The panel included:
Jack Krakeel, Director, Fayette County Department of Public Safety
Captain Pete Nelms, Emergency Management Coordinator
Sharon Herbert and Dee House, Fayette Department of Family & Children’s Services
Allen McCollough and Dr. Vicky Schuh, Coordinators of medical services & needs
Carolyn Callison, County Nurse Manager for public health issues
George Knight, Red Cross Volunteer for sheltering
Brian Cardoza, Fayette County Development Authority
Virginia Gibbs, Fayette County Chamber of Commerce for Employment Assistance
Barbara Serapian, Fayette County Board of Education
Jane Fonslow, Fayette Counseling Center
Chief Krakeel stated the effect of Hurricane Katrina on Fayette County included a number of displaced residents who had evacuated to this County. He said most evacuees only had their vehicles and what they could carry. Many had no funds and were looking for assistance. Krakeel noted that there were a number of agencies to provide this assistance, but the enormity of the event made the task overwhelming. The Red Cross was stretched to the max trying to manage the shelters already open. Krakeel said they were asking local communities to provide assistance to evacuees until they could be placed in Federal programs and restart their lives.
Krakeel said that the Department of Family and Children’s services would serve as the designated lead agency for Fayette County as they knew the resources available. Through a community outreach program assistance will be available for personal needs, temporary housing, medical needs, banking issues, schooling for children and assistance in finding jobs. Fayette County will establish a web page with information.