Here at Heart to Heart International (HHI), April isn’t just spring – it’s the heart of severe weather season. Tornadoes, thunderstorms, and other threats loom large across the United States, and our Disaster Response Team is ramping up to meet the challenge.
Why is preparedness so critical? Disasters strike fast, shattering lives and communities. But with a well-stocked inventory, highly trained volunteers, and strong local partnerships in place beforehand, HHI can react swiftly.
“Readiness is essential to our ability to respond to disasters,” said JP Fisher, HHI Director of Disaster Response. “It allows us to ensure we have the right supplies in stock, highly trained volunteers on call, and strong relationships with local partners – all before disaster strikes.”
Faster Response, Faster Relief
This preparedness translates to faster response times. Imagine a community reeling from a storm. Homes are damaged, power is out, and healthcare access may be limited. Our DRT is ready to jump into action. Our Mobile Medical Unit can be quickly packed, prepped and ready to deploy with vital medical supplies and a dedicated volunteer medical team.
“Disaster readiness shortens the gap between a disaster’s impact and our ability to mobilize aid,” explained Fisher.
Training for Every Scenario
That’s why training is paramount. Our Disaster Response Team regularly trains our volunteer medical professionals, ensuring they’re equipped with the skills and knowledge to serve effectively.
“Training our teams and building strong partnerships during calm times allows us to hit the ground running when disaster strikes,” says Fisher. “We know where to go, how to use our resources effectively, and most importantly, how to stay safe while providing critical medical care.”
Preparedness Saves Lives
Disaster preparedness is more than just a strategy – it’s the foundation that allows us to fulfill our mission of helping communities in their greatest time of need. By being prepared, we can respond swiftly, deliver essential aid, and offer hope in the face of disaster.