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Red Cross, Louisiana Baptists outline disaster response capabilities for Winn Parish
Summary
Red Cross specialist Destini Kirkland and Southern Baptist volunteer leader Bubba Kirkland told the Jury they have responded to local house fires in 2025, installed smoke alarms in 15 homes and can provide sheltering, feeding, showers and other emergency services during disasters.
Winnfield, La. — Representatives of two disaster-relief organizations briefed the Winn Parish Police Jury on July 21 about local response activity and volunteer needs.
Destini Kirkland, Community Disaster Program Specialist for the American Red Cross (Cenla region), said Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers responded to about 10 home fires in Winn Parish during 2025 and provide financial assistance and recovery services. She reported the Red Cross helped make 15 homes safer by installing roughly 45 smoke alarms and completed shelter surveys for four local facilities (Winnfield Primary, Winnfield Middle, Winnfield High and Dodson High). The Red Cross also supports warming-center operations at the Grove Street Recreation Center and runs preparedness presentations for children through local libraries.
Bubba Kirkland, Zone 4 Leader for Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief, described the volunteer group's capabilities — including shower and laundry units, chainsaws, generators, chaplains, feeding and communications units — and said the organization operates through churches and is available to assist local officials. He encouraged volunteer recruitment and left brochures and contact cards with the Jury.
