I arrived back in St. Louis last night around 6:00 after volunteering for the flood relief efforts in Martinsville and Terre Haute, Indiana. It’s my first time back in St. Louis in over a month because I’d been in Iowa for tornado relief before heading to Indiana. This deployment was my 50th Red Cross disaster assignment.
 
Though I have been on so many disaster assignments, I never get tired of the work. Each assignment is different and each of my jobs are different – sometimes I help in the shelters and sometimes I help in client services. Every time I go out, I learn more and have the opportunity to pass on my own knowledge. Sharing information helps build the team and, honestly, teamwork is the only way the job can be done.
 
Yesterday, before I left, I was introduced to a man who was left homeless by the floods. He had just bought a new mobile home a few weeks ago. He had everything set up and the flood waters washed it all away. The water was over five feet and if it hadn’t washed the home away, it would have been destroyed anyway. The Red Cross was helping this man get back on his feet.
 
Disasters are tough for adults but I think they may be even harder for kids. Disasters stick in the minds of children for a long time and can cause fear when kids see something that reminds them of their experience. In this case, it could be scary for a child just to see water. They keep reliving the disaster. Adults can rationalize and make sense of the situation but kids often just don’t understand. I have noticed that, at first, children love being at the shelter. They get to play with other kids and eat snacks. But soon enough they want to go home and unfortunately, they just don’t understand why home isn’t an option.
 
When you are a volunteer, like me, you have to put the experience behind you, sympathize with the victims, know your limits, don’t dwell on the situation and get ready for your next disaster. I really enjoy what I do because I feel like I am doing something worthwhile. My kids are all grown and don’t need me every day so instead of sitting at home, I’m doing something for others. I’ll go out any time the Red Cross calls me.
 
Dorothy is a Red Cross volunteer from Wentzville, MO. For more information on what you can do to help flood relief efforts, call 314.516.2800 or click here.