04/19/2024
After the first week of the fires, I kept asking the question: “how are we going to handle this better the next time it happens?”
A lot of people said a lot of different things, but so far no one has actually stepped up and provided some kind of answer to that question. So, we are.
What could have been handled better the first 5-7 days after the fire? What were our immediate, on the ground needs that could have been covered with just a little bit of planning? How can we make sure those inadequacies don’t repeat themselves?
We are launching a new Non-profit group that will attempt to meet some of those early needs. A couple of things I noticed from day one after the fires:
1. People needed fuel for a host of different reasons and they needed that fuel “in the field” not at the gas station in town. There were no funds immediately available to purchase fuel, a lot of us gave out of our own pocket to meet that need early on.
2. People needed large equipment brought to them. There was need for large equipment because there were unique jobs that required certain equipment. For instance, digging holes to put dead cattle or a large forklift to help unload semi trucks that we’re bringing in hay and feed. Typically ranchers have some equipment, but a lot of it burned in the fire, leaving them with very few options.
3. People needed a ride or a delivery service for very basic items that could be replaced quickly. A lot of people displaced had what they could fit in their car and that was about it. Some weren’t even that lucky and had just what they were wearing. A small group with a vehicle prepared to go shop for or take shopping during these first few days would have been a great help. Lots of donations were given, but they would come in days and weeks after the initial fire. This service could help bridge that gap.
4. People needed love, compassion, and a group of people on the ground ready to lend a hand or a shoulder from the beginning. The local churches and organizations in the burn area did an amazing job, we would seek to add another layer to that support.
5. Some of the larger organizations, especially Texas Baptist ministries and a few others, provided a lot of this support when they were able to get set up on scene, but that takes time. The goal of this group would be to provide assistance during the first 5-7 days after a disaster while other groups get mobilized and on the scene.
Texas Panhandle Quick Fleet will be a small, nimble fleet of pickups and trailers all with a specific job:
1. Mobile Fuel Truck
2. Mobile Feed Truck
3. Equipment Hauler
4. Tool Truck with Welder and Torch
5. Delivery and Transport Vehicle
All of these vehicles could be on site within just a couple of hours after a disaster. The “fleet” could change depending on how our needs and resources evolve over time. This is just the initial concept.
If you would be willing to help, there’s a couple of things we need from you:
1. Like the page mentioned above, all new info will be rolled out there.
2. If you have any suggestions, especially if you have suffered through this disaster or another one in person, we would love to hear your thoughts about the first needs you remember having.
3. If you know of anyone that has equipment they would be interested in donating or getting rid of, we would very much be interested.
4. Pray for our new endeavor! Pray that we might actually meet the needs of people when they suffer a tragic event. This has been an eye opening experience for me and I am hoping to ease that burden on someone else when it happens again.
5. If you or your buisness would like to partner with us in building this fleet, we would be most appreciative.
The people in the Texas Panhandle truly help each other and I believe this will be another example of the love that we show for our neighbor. This service will focus on the Texas Panhandle and our immediate neighbors.
I will post a video tomorrow explaining more specifics, please let me know if you have any questions.
