The South Central Kentucky Chapter of the American Red Cross wants to prepare Logan Countians to aide each other during disastrous conditions. They are so committed to the concept they are willing to train and supply individuals or groups to do just that.

The South Central Chapter services the seven counties of Allen, Butler, Simpson, Monroe, Warren, Edmonson and now Logan counties. Logan County was recently added on July 1 after the local charter had to close its doors because they could not find anyone to run it.

Bill Schlicht, disaster operations volunteer for the South Central Chapter, said the economy is one of the main reasons to blame for Logan’s closure. Schlicht said Logan County had a very well-run chapter for years, but because of the poor economy, it was difficult to find someone who was willing or could keep the charter going. Because of the closure, Logan County was taken into the South Central Chapter which takes care of 250,000 people in the seven counties.

Schlicht said it is the goal of the Red Cross to help counties learn to help themselves with the Red Cross backing them up with supplies and additional help if needed.

“People tend to want to take care of their own,” said Schlicht adding, “we want to help them do that.”

Schlicht has been visiting Logan County for the past several weeks training volunteers at both the Russellville Senior Center and New Life Baptist Church in Auburn. He said this was just the beginning and he hoped there would be numerous people contacting him who wished to be trained in disaster preparation.

Members of New Life just wrapped up 12 hours of training to become one of Logan County’s first disaster shelters under the Red Cross. This means if a disaster hits the county, New Life will be prepared to take on families or individuals who are without shelter and food.

Schlicht said he would like to see many more Logan Countians step up and become trained to help in case a disaster strikes. He said being prepared is one of the most important ways to handle a disaster if and when it strikes. “There are a lot of things people don’t think of that they will need during a disaster,” said Schlicht adding, “that is why it is so important to be ready beforehand.”

Schlicht said the South Central Kentucky Chapter is equipped with 750 cots, blankets, pillows and a variety of other supplies that can be trucked into an area in need. one of the trucks can help 50 people while another can help 150. The South Central chapter will be working with Logan County’s Emergency Management as well and want to also partner with the communities HAM radio operators.

“I know Logan County has a well organized HAM radio group and I would like them to get in contact with me to bring them into the plan,” said Schlicht.

Another group being targeted are the youth. The South Central Chapter currently has a program called the Youth Disaster Response Team that utilizes kids 11 through 17 years of age. Schlicht said most of the time the young people feel left out and with this program they can feel a part of things while helping in areas that are needed during a disaster.

If an individual, group or youth wishes to become trained through the South Central Kentucky Chapter of the American Red Cross contact Schlicht at 270-781-7377 or 270-282-3112 or email at bschlicht@sckredcross.org.

Schlicht said people interested do not have to travel to become trained, the Red Cross will come into the community to train.