Emergency Disaster Services Hosts Training at Plymouth Corps
*Left to right: Major Kris Wood, Chuck McDougall, Carol Hunt, Ed Krzeminski, April Lee
At the end of April, Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) held a training for current and incoming EDS volunteers. The event took place at the Plymouth Corps Community Center and was led by the executive director of EDS in the Great Lakes Division, Chris Striebel.
The training focused on the operation of disaster food service canteens. Salvation Army canteens are mobile kitchens which allow for the cooking and serving of food at disaster sites – sites such as wildfires, floods and anywhere else police or fire rescue teams are present.
The training’s turnout was a mixed bag of long-time volunteers like Ed Krzeminski who were looking for a refresher, and newcomers who have not been trained yet. Topics discussed included:
- Types of units (AKA Canteens)
- Food service delivery strategy
- How to prepare a menu plan
Regarding the canteens, Striebel explained that there are 100 different types. Each with a different service design and equipment. Understanding their function allows volunteers to make the most prudent decision how they serve in a disaster considering the need and equipment available.
Three examples include: Field Kitchens (a mobile commercial kitchen), Mobile Kitchen (mobile kitchen that can cook and serve meals), and Food Service Delivery Unit (serves already prepared meals).
On the turnout, Striebel said, “this is a good class, all of our classes are group-oriented so we can have groups discuss and facilitate a discussion on what some realistic experiences and expectations are that we might see coming up. So, this is a good group so far, really well balanced.”
*Chris Striebel, Executive Director of Emergency Disaster Services in the Great Lakes Division
One volunteer, Art, shared his EDS experience and reason for attending the training. Recently retired from a career at Ford, Art was looking for opportunities to volunteer in his community.
He began by joining Canton’s CERT team (Community Emergency Response Team) and encountered the EDS canteen at a field training. Seeing the “volunteers needed” sign, he quickly signed up. He recounted one instance of helping with EDS:
“There was an active shooter situation and Chuck called me and said ‘hey, can you come?’ I drove out to Southfield and picked up the truck and away we went. We set everything up: he would cook, I would package and serve. And I enjoyed it, it was gratifying.”
*EDS Volunteer Art
At one point during the training, the group left the classroom to get a tour of the canteen which was parked outside. There Striebel explained the various features in them and how they might be used on site.
The EDS training is a great opportunity to highlight the work The Salvation Army does in Michigan. If you are interested in volunteering with the EDS team, more information can be found here. You can also donate to support The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division EDS running.