Plans to respond to a disaster are in place, but what assistance is available after the scene is cleared? Marshall County Emergency Management Agency Director Clyde Avery presented a recovery plan to the commissioners during their meeting on Monday. This will be added to the emergency plan already in place.
Avery said some residents won’t meet the required threshold for monetary assistance after an event occurs in the county. He said this plan can fix that issue.
“We don’t have to have a large event come through and wipe out an entire jurisdiction for it to be a disaster,” said Avery. “If it impacts one family, it’s an emergency to them and it has a lasting impact. What I’m trying to do with this annex is to try and work so we can find some other funding sources to be able to provide some financial assistance to folks.”
Avery asked the commissioners for permission to pursue research on starting a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to help gather funds to help residents after a disaster.
“Folks who may be impacted and who may not have any insurance or may not have adequate insurance can then have another resource that comes in to be able to try and help them offset some of the costs associated with the major things – shelter, food, transportation…things of that nature.”
The organization would establish a board of directors who would oversee funding and its distribution to those in need. That board could work with the Marshall County Community Foundation and other entities to solicit funds for this non-profit entity to assist neighbors in need.
The commissioners gave Avery their blessing to pursue initiating this type of foundation. They also approved the proposed disaster recovery plan.
