From the June 26, 2003 edition of The Wayne Herald
Red Cross responds to Coleridge disaster
Lori Carollo, Chapter Manager of the Wayne County American Red Cross, received a call around 10:30 p.m. Monday night from the Lead Disaster Office out of Grand Island regarding severe storms and possible tornadoes in Cedar county and the Coleridge area in particular and was asked to check in to the situation.
After numerous phone calls to law enforcement and emergency management people, it was determined that tornadoes had struck in and around Coleridge.
The Fire Chief in Coleridge requested the Wayne Red Cross come and set up a shelter in the community center.
Mrs. Carollo contacted Loren Park, Wayne Red Cross Disaster Director, who then activated their emergency disaster action plan.
Within a short time, a team of seven responders were on the road to assist the people in the area.
The local chapter took their Emergency Response Vehicle and Chapter Chairman, Bill Claybaugh, loaned them the use of his portable generator.
Upon arriving on the scene, it was very treacherous making their way to the center with all the down power lines, trees and branches.
The ERV was set up outside the center while cots and blankets were taken inside, as well as coolers of bottled water.
The Wayne responders stayed through the night and also provided food to the fire and rescue workers (approximately 60 volunteers.)
