From California to Kentucky: A Volunteer's Reflection on Kentuckiana Floods

Susan Tovey, a volunteer from the American Red Cross Desert to Sea Region in California, has been a part of disaster response for nearly seven years. Before arriving in Kentucky to help with response to the widespread flooding along the Ohio River, Tovey was a part of her chapter’s Disaster Action Team (DAT) along with other aspects of the Red Cross.

DAT responders are among the first volunteers people see after disasters. The responders arrive on the scene to provide hope, comfort and care to families who have lost everything. They also spring into action at the threat of severe weather to prepare shelters, should they be needed.

“When you go out, and you are with the people [while they’re standing] in front of their home, they’re just heartbroken,” Tovey said through tears, “It’s amazing to be a part of their recovery and to share a moment when it’s just so hard for them and to be able to help them through it.”

Susan smiles at her lap, while waiting for new Red Cross
volunteers to sign in. 

Last week, Tovey was deployed to Kentucky as part of the Red Cross’ efforts to help residents impacted by floods in Kentuckiana. This response, she’s on a different side of the operation: staff services.

“Serving the other volunteers, it’s the mommy in me, you want to make sure that it is a good experience for them,” she said.

They help the volunteers sign in and then connect them to the supervisor, overseeing the operation.  

“For me, I know that staffing is the first person that everyone sees. They need to be welcoming,” said Tovey. “I am having a great time. There is really good camaraderie and support and it’s so good to see that.”

Tovey is just one of the nearly 400 disaster workers from around the region and country who dropped everything to respond to Kentuckiana. She is a prime example of how every volunteer makes a huge difference within an operation.