Area volunteers could assist in rescue efforts

By Leslie Wood
Staff Writer

GALLUP — The Gallup branch of the Red Cross could deploy some of its nearly 40 volunteers to Louisiana to help in relief efforts in response to the largest request for assistance in the organization's history, according to one Red Cross official.

Donna Wade, disaster response director for the Farmington chapter, said its branch has already deployed three volunteers and an emergency response vehicle to Baton Rouge, La., and expects Gallup volunteers to receive a call for additional assistance.

Nearly 80 percent of New Orleans was submerged under water as of Tuesday afternoon following Hurricane Katrina's devastation, and countless lives are feared lost.

Wade said New Mexico's Red Cross chapters are responsible for providing emergency care for several states in its service area including Louisiana. That care includes providing mass feeding, shelter and bulk distribution of bottled water for survival.

Each volunteer should expect a deployment of about 3 weeks in conditions that are less than desirable, Wade said.

"Some volunteers may be sleeping in parking lots with no electricity, restroom facilities or clean water," she said. "Humidity at about 100 percent should be expected."

Wade said volunteers must undergo CPR and first aid training, as well as classes that include introduction to mass care.

"It's been such a hectic morning," Wade said.

The Farmington branch has received countless calls from concerned New Mexicans interested in seeking volunteers to contact family members in the devastated areas.

But Wade said volunteers are making a priority of those family members who may have not been able to evacuate themselves from the areas before the hurricane hit.

"I absolutely think there is a strong chance volunteers (from the Gallup area) will be deployed," she said.

Gallup Fire Chief Robert Garcia said he could not confirm whether one of the department's firefighters will travel to the Gulf Coast to assist in efforts. He said a few of his firefighters are involved in Albuquerque's Urban Search and Rescue team, but they did not complete the paperwork necessary for deployment. If firefighters are deployed, Garcia said the city has to make arrangements to ensure Gallup is adequately staffed during their absence.

"It's really unorganized," he said.

Officials for the Gallup branch of the Red Cross did not immediately return calls from The Independent for comment.

Wade said the chapter is looking for monetary and food donations to assist in the relief efforts.

The Farmington chapter can be reached at (505) 325-9605.