On July 13, two AmeriCorps*VISTA members returned to Vinton to further assist with relief efforts.  On this occasion, we were allowed an up-close view of the important decisions which follow a major disaster.

The day started with an unexpected phone call from Benton County Emergency Management (EM) at 7:30 a.m.  The woman on the phone said that Vinton still needed a significant amount of help, and asked if we could help out again.  By the time we arrived at the Benton County courthouse basement (where the office of EM is located), the EM team was in the middle of a planning session.

It was truly a remarkable scene – everyone was frantic, yet cooperative.  I would characterize the room as a picture of organized chaos.  Phones were ringing, orders were barked, and a nervous tension was thick in the air.  Despite the stress, it was clear – even to volunteers like us – who the leaders were.  Such common understanding of the chain of command allowed for quick delegation and effective action.

As we left the courthouse shortly thereafter, we were instructed to help the Red Cross move its site from the high school, which lacked power, to the elementary school, which had regained power.  Weather forecasts predicted temperatures over 100 degrees for the next few days, and an air-conditioned community shelter was essential to those who lacked a place to stay.

Throughout the course of the day, we helped the Red Cross move pallets of water, a tent, and numerous cots.  Not only was the work incredibly gratifying, we were able to see how key decisions were made under the stress and uncertainty that accompanies such a situation.

On July 12th, five AmeriCorps*VISTA went to Vinton, IA to help clean up debris left behind from a storm that rolled through the morning before. The storm hit the town with strong straight line winds that caused damage to nearly every tree, knocked power lines and small buildings down, and tore the roofs off of homes and businesses.

We started to work right away that morning, picking up tree branches around the middle school. Volunteers brought chain saws to cut down even more branches and trees that were severely damaged. We then went to the football field, where several storage buildings were completely destroyed.

We picked up plywood sheets that still had shingles attached, rafters that were still fully intact but thrown onto the ground, and electrical wiring that was twisted and tossed across the field, among many other things. Several stadium lights were bent in half, proving that the wind was very powerful.

We also cleared out a 10’ by 15’ freezer at the middle school as power was expected to be out for several days. We were able to save thousands of dollars’ worth of food from spoiling by taking it to a school in Shellsburg, IA and Newhall Meat Locker in Newhall, IA. Both were so willing to donate space to store the food until things stabilize in Vinton.

The community came together quickly in order to assess and prioritize the most urgent needs within the community. Although the overall response initially lacked organization, people stepped in and were willing to volunteer however long it takes to repair the town. Even the smallest amount of work is greatly appreciated when there is so much to be done.