Agencies hold disaster preparedness workshop for faith-based groups

Mike Pickerel, senior planner with SEMA, speaks to faith-based organization members Thursday at the Callaway County Health Department about emergency planning.
Mike Pickerel, senior planner with SEMA, speaks to faith-based organization members Thursday at the Callaway County Health Department about emergency planning.

Representatives from various churches and denominations gathered Thursday in an effort to study up on disaster preparedness.

A Faith-based Organization Disaster Initiative Workshop held at the Callaway County Health Department encouraged faith communities to prepare their members/organizations for a disaster by planning for possible emergencies. The workshop was organized by the health department, Callaway County Emergency Management, Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.