Re: your Oct. 26 editorial, βA hot tip: Get readyβ?:
I appreciated The Star's editorial because I firmly believe the sobering news reports we have witnessed in recent days serve notice for us to be prepared locally for the worst, whenever the worst might occur. Fortunately, we have had the opportunity over the past week to learn from others' misfortunes, while helping to provide support to those most affected.
β 2-1-1 Ventura County, a partnership of United Way, Interface Children Family Services and First 5 Ventura County, has been playing a critical role in providing information to individuals seeking information on how to help. Our local 2-1-1 call center fields 300 calls on a normal day; early last week, that number soared to 1,500 calls daily from individuals in Ventura County and surrounding counties interested in offering their support. Just as has been the case in other crisis situations β such as following Hurricane Katrina two years ago β 2-1-1 in our county and elsewhere in Southern California is proving to be a critical resource during time of disaster.
β United Way's web-based volunteer network, www.VolunteerVenturaCounty.org, has been receiving dozens of hits from people who want to help. Fortunately, we have been able to direct many to situations in need of help today or offer suggestions on how best to be prepared for future volunteer opportunities. Thanks to the lessons learned over the past few days, our volunteer program will be better positioned in the future for any crisis situation that hits Ventura County.
In short, lessons Ventura County has learned over the past week will only benefit us in the future.
β David M. Smith, Camarillo
(The writer is president and CEO of United Way of Ventura County. β Editor)
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