September is National Preparedness Month, and what better time for District 5830 to look at how we can be better prepared before the next disaster comes our way?When disaster strikes, Rotary has always been about neighbors helping neighbors. We know our communities, we know the people in them, and we are often well positioned to connect needs with resources, whether it be sharing or collecting information. But District 5830 covers a lot of ground. Our district is simply too large to manage disaster recovery through one person or one central point of contact.
During past disasters (last year’s Hill Country floods), much of the support naturally came from our larger communities. Impacted districts were grateful for that support, but it also showed us that some areas of the district lacked the same level of representation.That is why the District Disaster Committee is working to establish one trained Disaster Representative in each of our nine Assistant Governor areas. These Rotarians would serve as our local eyes, ears, and connectors. If a disaster affects their area, they could help contact local clubs, verify needs, share reliable information, and connect affected communities with Rotary resources.
They are not being asked to become emergency managers or first responders. We already have professionals who do that work. What we need are trusted Rotarians who know their communities, communicate well, and can help Rotary determine where we can lend a hand.
And preparedness begins long before the storm clouds gather. Representatives can receive basic training, get to know the clubs throughout their area, and begin building relationships with local partners before those connections are needed.
Could That Person Be You?
During National Preparedness Month, we are asking every club in District 5830 to help us identify Rotarians who might be a good fit for this role. You don't need a background in emergency management. You simply need to be dependable, willing to communicate, familiar with your area, and ready to help when one of our neighbors is having a bad day.
Our goal is simple: nine areas, nine trusted Rotarians, and a stronger connection to every corner of District 5830.
We can't predict where the next tornado, flood, wildfire, or severe storm will occur. But we can prepare for it. And there may be no better time than National Preparedness Month to start.
If you or a fellow Rotarian may be interested in serving as an Area Disaster Representative, please contact me at benpattersonetx@gmail.com
Ben Patterson
Rotary Club of Henderson
Rotary District 5830 Disaster Committee
Henderson Main Street Advisory Board - Henderson Art and Cultural District Committee
Keep Henderson Beautiful – Yates All Access Park Project
Rusk County Historical Commission
Rusk County Heritage Association
