David Garrison tuned his radio frequency scanner to pick up the emergency calls coming from Lincoln County on Sunday as he watched updates on the tornado watch on TV from his mother-in-law’s home.  The American Red Cross emergency services director listened intently for any sign of severe weather or tornados headed toward Catawba or Caldwell counties where he had volunteers on call waiting to spring into action to help the victims.

“We stay prepared to respond,” Garrison said.

Catawba County was not hit by tornados, but one did come as close as Cat Square.

“This is not something that happens all the time,” Garrison said.

He said it’s been years since tornados posed any threat to Catawba County.

Although tornados have long been considered one of the most unpredictable forces of nature, Garrison said the American Red Cross Disaster Action Teams (DATs) are trained to respond quickly.

The Catawba Valley chapter of the American Red Cross covers a three-county area, including Catawba, Alexander and Caldwell counties.  In Catawba County, Garrison said there are 20 DAT volunteers divided into three teams, all trained to respond to natural disasters, fires and anywhere emergency relief is needed.

If a tornado had touched down in Catawba County, Garrison said at least one team of DAT members would convene at the chapter headquarters on Highland Avenue in Hickory.  If Catawba County Department of Emergency Services Director David Weldon determined a shelter was needed, one team would go to work organizing and opening shelters as another team completed a damage assessment of the area and the third team worked on locating the victims.

For preparation, Garrison trains school teachers each August on how to respond if a tornado came through the area during the school day.  He said the teachers use what they learn to teach their students what to do.

“The big thing is making sure everyone is trained,” Garrison said.  “The more people we have trained, the better off we all are.”

DAT volunteers complete 10 courses in disaster preparedness courses, including client casework, mass care/shelter operations and disaster assessment.  Garrison said its through these that volunteers learn how to best meet the needs of the victims, how to manage and operate a shelter and assess the damage to homes and property.

When severe weather is likely to come through the area, they listen to the radio and news so they know when people are in need of their help.  But for the most part, it’s a waiting game.

The American Red Cross also has another 75 volunteers in the county in addition to its DATs to help respond to emergency situations.

“We never have enough volunteers,” Garrison said.