[Press Release] : Volunteers still needed, but Emergency Operations Center managing food, water and volunteer support

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Columbia/Boone County Emergency Operations Center: (573)
817-5091

Volunteers still needed, but Emergency Operations Center managing food,
water and volunteer support

COLUMBIA, MO (May 9, 2007) - The Columbia/Boone County Emergency
Operations Center advises citizens NOT to donate food, water or other
items for volunteers working at Rocheport and Hartsburg. These needs are
already being met through the Red Cross and Salvation Army, and no
donations have been requested at this time.

There still is a need for volunteer labor, however.

Rocheport
Volunteers who can work in Rocheport should report to Fire Station No.
2, 104 Central Street to get work assignments. Food, water, a public
health nurse and other support will be available on-site.

Hartsburg
Volunteers who can work in Hartsburg should report to the American
Legion Hall there to get work assignments. Food, water, a public health
nurse and other support will be available on-site.

Volunteer Work during floods
● Health Advisory: Flood waters can pose a risk of infection.
Volunteers should have a current tetanus shot (injected within the last
10 years). Injections will be available from the Columbia/Boone County
Health Department at the Rocheport and Hartsburg sites. At least a dozen
volunteers received injections today.
● To assure protection of the public and assure efficient bagging
operations, please report only if you wish to work at these sites.
● Volunteers should be physically fit, capable of performing
strenuous work and able to lift 50 pounds.
● Bagging will be performed outdoors in potentially extreme weather
conditions. Appropriate clothing includes work jeans, cotton shirt,
jacket, work boots, leather gloves and hat.
● Volunteers are encouraged to bring sunscreen and shovels. Although
water and food will be available at the sites, it would be a good idea
to bring drinking water and a snack.

Because many public agencies are dealing with and preparing for
expected flooding, the following contacts should be used by local media
to obtain information specific to the area involved. 

For questions concerning sand-bagging operations in the Hartsburg and
Wilton area, contact the Southern Boone County Fire Protection District
(SBCFPD) Command Post at 573-657-9768. (Corrected from earlier release)

For questions concerning sand-bagging operations in the Rocheport and
McBaine areas, contact Boone County Fire Protection District Division
Chief Gail Blomenkamp at 573-219-0677. 

For questions regarding the City of Columbia Wetlands, call Columbia
Public Works Department Public Information Officer Jill Stedem at
573-874-7250.

For questions regarding the City of Columbia Water Treatment Plant,
call Water and Light Department Public Information Officer Connie
Kacprowicz at 573-874-7325.

For questions regarding public health risks from contaminated flood
waters, call Bret Loudermilk, Columbia/Boone County Department, at
573-874-6396.

The phone number for the Joint Information Center located in the
Emergency Operations Center is 573-817-5091. Ask for Toni Messina.

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