Scott Ingram, director of case management with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Owensboro, leads parishioners of St. Mary Magdalene in Sorgho in a disaster preparedness training. COURTESY OF LAVIDA MISCHEL
Sorgho parish learns how to prepare in case of emergency
BY LAVIDA MISCHEL, SPECIAL TO THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
Aware that September was designated as “Disaster Preparedness Month,” and realizing the devastation a tornado can leave us, as happened in Mayfield and Dawson Springs in December 2021, parishioners of St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Sorgho took advantage of the opportunity to prepare.
On Sept. 27, parishioners gathered with Scott Ingram, the director of case management with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Owensboro. Ingram provided the parishioners with valuable information regarding natural disasters including tornados and earthquakes. The evening primarily focused on the utilization of St. Mary Magdalene’s parish hall and its parishioners as a ‘point of distribution’ (P.O.D.), in the case of an emergency.
On Sept. 21, parishioners gathered with Maj. Gen. Allen Youngman (retired), an expert in the field of security on every level. Maj. Gen. Youngman provided training in the case of an active shooter. He also provided statistics and case studies, stating that though the event is very unlikely, the importance of being prepared cannot be overstated.
Editor’s note: Parishes interested in having a disaster preparedness training may contact Scott Ingram at [email protected].
Lavida Mischel is the administrative assistant for St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Sorgho.
Originally printed in the November 2023 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
