Though it focuses on being prepared, the Lawrence County Disaster Longterm Recovery Committee hopes its services are never needed.

But Committee President Mike Corn knows that just may be wishful thinking.

The volunteer group was created last November in response to the February 2003 ice storms that left hundreds without power and many more with other disaster-related problems such as a lack of drinking water, downed trees and damaged homes.

"The goal is to help county residents that are affected by disasters to meet some unmet needs that emergency services can't do," Corn said.

As a volunteer group, the committee can go onto private property and provide assistance such as flood relief, disaster cleanup, temporary lodging and other services.

Corn modeled the committee on a similar group in Gallia County that has been successful in providing community assistance.

"Last year, after the ice storm, my church, St. Paul Lutheran hosted a youth group that came and worked to help people in the county," Corn said. "I felt kind of guilty that we didn't have anything in place to help ourselves."

So far, about 30 community members have volunteered for the committee that meets a few times a year. They hope to get more people involved, especially those from the eastern end of the county.

"Probably everyone has been affected by a disaster or they know someone who has," Corn said. "Anyone who wants to be a part of this committee to help, we would be glad to have them."

The committee met Monday to talk with Red Cross representatives about disaster training and make plans for a fund-raiser later this summer.

If a disaster struck Lawrence County today, the group would be hampered by a lack of funds. It is funded solely through donations and is still finding the best ways to make money to save for that proverbial rainy day.

Anyone interested in making donations to the Lawrence County Disaster Fund, can send checks to P.O. Box 517, Ironton, Ohio 45638.

For more information, contact Corn at 533-2676.

Other committee officers are secretary Father Thomas Nau, treasurer Marilyn Grant-Howard and donations manager Jeff Almekinder.