For Immediate Release:  Wednesday, August 16, 2006 

EMERGENCY PLANNERS MEET WITH FAITH-BASED LEADERS 

            Emergency Operations officials met with representatives of local faith-based organizations last night in Covington to establish a network of non-governmental resources in the event of a disaster. 

            Following Katrina, local churches were among the most organized and quick to respond to community needs.  This year, church leaders will be among organizations with liaison officers embedded at the Emergency Operations Center if tropical weather has the potential to threaten St. Tammany Parish.  Liaison officers will maintain contact with area churches and assist in the allocation and provision of resources to areas of need. 

            The Emergency Operations Center is staffed around the clock if a predictable threat is looming, and activates immediately if any unforeseen emergencies arise that affect a significant portion of St. Tammany’s population. 

            Any faith-based organizations that were unable to attend last night’s meeting are encouraged to become involved in the networking and liaison program by contacting Catherine Brown at 985-898-2359 or by email to cbrown@stpgov.org.