Local Hurricane Relief

Save

Posted: 12:33 AM Aug 31, 2008
Last Updated: 6:37 AM Sep 2, 2008
Reporter: Carrie Jones
Email Address: carrie.jones@wsaz.com

16 comments

A | A | A

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Late Friday night medics from Kanawha, Logan, and Cabell counties hit the road.

Their goal: do whatever they can to help.

With five ambulances and 12 member crew this "Strike Unit," as they're called, is heading down to Alexandria, Louisiana to handle whatever Hurricane Gustav may bring.

This isn't the first time some of these Kanawha, Cabell and Logan county workers have seen what these storms can leave behind. They were there when Hurricane Rita hit, and they were deployed there for 30 days. They slept in tents, ran ambulance calls and ran a triage tent.

FEMA has decided to send down more than 450 of these emergency teams from around the country before the hurricane hits. The National Huricane Center's website predicts Gustav will make landfall in Louisiana late Monday night.

The group says they are ready to handle anything big or small for the next 10 days. This small group hopes to make a big impact down south.

The group has also promised to stay in contact with WSAZ, and we'll you updated on what, and how, they're doing.

More Stories
Black Ice Wreaks Havoc on the Roads in Region

SEVERE WEATHER: Slick Roads & Bridges Reported, Crash Information

Severe Drought in Parts of Kentucky

Local Drought-Like Conditions Despite Hurricane Season

Portions of West Virginia Return to Drought

Why September Nice Can Turn Against Us

Jackson Apple Festival Aims to Please

Ironton Woman Facing Hurricane Ike

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: GEEZ! on Sep 4, 2008 at 03:22 PM
In response to Lisa....There is one in every crowd, and everybody has one!

Posted by: Amanda on Sep 3, 2008 at 03:15 PM
To the guys that are down there right now...you are wonderful. To Lisa...you are horrible. These are the men that are here saving you and your family everyday. I know one of these men and he is a hero! I have never met a better person. He took time from his job to go help those in need. You should really stop and think about that. I suggest that everyone that reads this take a look at Mike's blog on ccems.org. It is under gustav relief. THis man is a hero along with all the others down there with him. So Lisa read his blog and then tell me he just wanted to be a superhero. This is one amazing man!!

Posted by: LuLu on Sep 3, 2008 at 02:53 PM
In response to Lisa...you obviously don't get out much, because if you did and took a look around, you would see how much they help YOUR community every day. Either that, or you must have to put others down because of your own inadequacies. And you know what else? They don't have to do anything to look like heroes. They were heroes before they went to LA. And what is a hero supposed to look like, anyway? Why don't you walk in their shoes before you open your mouth. I doubt you could do one tenth of their job!! I bet you are a source of enjoyment and pride for everyone who knows you.

Posted by: paula on Sep 3, 2008 at 09:20 AM
this is to lisa from 8/31. While you are sitting at home collecting a check, my husband is one of the men from WV that is down there helping these people. He took time off from his job to help. Unfortunately, if something drastic would happen in WV, just remember who "might " come and help you and your family. Think about it IF you can. I would like to thank everyone for there support for the men/women that left there families in WV to help the ones in need. GOD bless you all.

Posted by: Charity on Sep 2, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Well, I do know some of these guys and they are great people. They are doing the job they do here everyday. It should be an honor to help your country in any way, such as these guys are. There were some that were ask to go, that couldn't, for whatever reason, it is nice to know that we can send some EMS/FF/Law Enforcement/etc. to help in any kind of relief efforts. For those that think it is a boasting effort, what about the pyschodic people that they attend to here in our area. Sounds like we have some on here. I have to say I think it is an great to have some representatives from WV to show support to the needed areas. I am greatful that they have some of the best there to help. Stay safe guys and bless you for your work. See you when you get back.

Posted by: Reggie on Sep 2, 2008 at 12:09 PM
in taking preperations for Hanna, the MainStay Suites in Greenville S.C. is offering a $68.00 rate for anyone seeking shelter, and is also pet friendly ( $10.per day for pets ) if you would like to contact us please call (864) 987-5566 and ask for the People helping People rate. (this is an all suite hotel with full kitchens.)

Posted by: Charlie on Sep 1, 2008 at 12:52 PM
While it is great to see our gov. doing all the right things it takes to prepare the gulf coast & have a plan in place before & after effects from a major hurricane one just can't avoid thinking why was this not done for Katrina? Bush was on t.v. looking as if he knew what was happening but mainly to have himself seen doing something besides ignoring it like he did during Katrina. While it's to late for Bush to redeem himself to the people of New Orleans at least the rest of our country have proven that we are ready & capable of doing the right thing in a time of natural disasters. Thank you to everyone who helps!

Posted by: asdf on Sep 1, 2008 at 10:27 AM
It takes guts to go down in the face of unknown danger to help your fellow man. Lisa you're an igonrant cynical fool.

Posted by: coastiewife on Sep 1, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Lisa, you are ignorant. My husband and his unit were just deployed to NO and he takes his job very seriously. The last thing any of these "superheroes" want is to brag about their work. These people risk their lives and safety to help all those in need. You need to be thankful for their help -they may save your life one day. It is too bad that you don't understand the importance of this; I feel sorry for you. May all those in the Gulf stay safe!

Posted by: Angel on Aug 31, 2008 at 10:10 PM
I was reading all of the wonderful comments and then I ran across Lisa's post. What the %@*^ are you talking about? How cynical can a person be? Those rescue crews will be in the direct path of the storm as well. I guarantee they won't be on a "vacation". Get real lady! May God bless ALL those affected by this storm, including people unselfish enough to give of their own time to help others.

Posted by: andy williams on Aug 31, 2008 at 09:04 PM
hey guys be careful my wife and i are from west virginia and our prayers are with you guys in your travels we are in the direct path but being in the military we might just be working side by side for emergency relief you guys be careful and our prayers are with you and your families and those in the path of this devastating storm

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 31, 2008 at 05:19 PM
God bless. My prayers are with u all.

Posted by: Me on Aug 31, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Stay safe down there. God bless you all!

Posted by: Lisa on Aug 31, 2008 at 09:49 AM
All the people want to do is go down there to make themselves look like superheroes! They want to go so they can come back home and brag about all the "great things" they did while they were down south.

Posted by: Kim on Aug 31, 2008 at 08:37 AM
GOD BLESS ALL YOU AND STAY SAFE!! MY FAMILY AND I WILL BE PRAYING FOR ALL OF YOU.

Posted by: jill on Aug 31, 2008 at 07:50 AM
Be safe!! There are so many good and compassionate people in our tristate and you don't have to look very far to see them helping others. Thank you!

·WEST VIRGINIA: (877) 982-7623
·KENTUCKY: (866) 737-3767
·OHIO: (888) 264-7623
Click here for online road conditions

+ Ashland, KY
+ Athens, OH
+ Beckley, WV
+ Charleston, WV
+ Clarksburg, WV
+ Clay, WV
+ Gallipolis, OH
+ Huntington, WV
+ Ironton, OH
+ Logan, WV
+ Morgantown, WV

+ Paintsville, KY
+ Parkersburg, WV
+ Pikeville, KY
+ Pomeroy, OH
+ Portsmouth,OH
+ Ripley, WV
+ Spencer, WV
+ Sutton, WV
+ Wayne, WV
+ Wheeling, WV
+ Williamson, WV

Choose from the links below for detailed weather forecasts at your local
WV, KY and OH High Schools as well as popular Colleges!

West Virginia High Schools Forecast	Kentucky High Schools Forecast
Ohio High Schools Forecast	NCAA Colleges Forecast

Winter weather slows travel in U.S.
Stranded airline passengers lingered in Chicago's airports Monday as a storm tapered off after delivering a wintry mix to Illinois including snow, gusty winds and ice that led to at least two traffic deaths.
9 ways to tell if your travel pro is crooked
As a rule, most travel agents are well-trained, competent professionals who work hard for you. But there are exceptions to every rule. Here are some simple ways to determine if your travel pro is crooked.
Some travelers canceling plans to visit India
In the past decade, India has gone from a place that relatively few Americans visited to one of the top international destinations for U.S. residents — ahead of other locales like Brazil, Switzerland and Greece.
Global guide to tipping: Decode the mystery
Knowing how much to tip in what part of the world doesn't have to be a mystery with our global guide to tipping.
Must-pack items from real travelers
These are just a few of the must-pack items that our travel-savvy readers bring when they go on a trip. Read on for more practical suggestions to include on your next packing list.
How to get more splash for less cash
The weather outside is frightful, but inside it’s 84 degrees. Indoor waterparks are fun, but they sure ain’t cheap. Here’s how to have fun without getting soaked.

	SOMC Very good things are happening here
	Weight Watchers Are you ready to lose weight?
	Prudential Bunch Since 1959 unequaled performance
	Moms4Moms By moms, for moms
	WV Lottery Nightly drawings and numbers
	WVA Electric Visit our unique lighting lab
	Big Sandy For all your furniture and appliance needs
	Budget Blinds The best in custom window coverings

WSAZ Mobile