The concern and uncertainty surrounding Tropical Storm Ernesto's trek toward the United States has provided the latest reminder about the need for disaster preparedness, even for inland locations such as Butler.

While Butler County escaped the ravages of Hurricane Katrina at this time last year, the county wasn't so fortunate in September 2004, when the remnants of Hurricane Ivan caused problems in several areas of this county, including the city.

In 2004, many county residents weren't prepared for responding to a storm disaster — affecting them personally or others nearby. Nearly two years later, despite what was learned from Ivan, the potential for a similar scenario no doubt exists.

Fortunately, the long-term capabilities for disaster reaction in Butler County could change, albeit not in time for dealing with effects from Ernesto, if that becomes necessary.

The positive change on the Butler County front will be in the form of stepped-up efforts by a county group that helped Hurricane Katrina evacuees who came to live here following the devastating storm.

That group, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), through a federal and state program, the Citizen Corps, which has provided a $4,000 grant, will begin a training effort later this month that could lead to broader training initiatives.

The initial training, under the supervision of the Butler County Chapter, American Red Cross, which is a VOAD member, will instruct people to become trainers.

As the number of trainers grows, the foundation will be prepared to expand disaster-preparedness training throughout the county.

The first of the training-of-trainers sessions will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 19 and from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 27, both at Trinity Lutheran Church on Sunset Drive in Center Township. People must register to participate by calling the local Red Cross chapter at 724-283-2810.

According to Tom Franz, VOAD president and director of community-based programs for the Center for Community Resources, the emphasis of the program is to teach people how to deal with the first three days following a natural or man-made disaster, when emergency crews might not be available or able to reach them. Franz said people will be instructed not only on what to do if they are stranded in their homes, but also the things to know about situations in which they might be forced to evacuate.

VOAD includes 35 organizations in this county. The national VOAD program began following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; Butler County VOAD was a product of the drenching and flooding that Ivan inflicted.

Butler County is fortunate in that its location keeps it out of the bull's-eye of many of the weather emergencies that other parts of the country routinely endure.

But that's no excuse for lack of preparedness; Ivan was adequate testimony to that.

With Ernesto having arrived in the United States, and with the remaining uncertainties regarding this year's hurricane season, VOAD's efforts should be welcomed, and people here should commit to acquire the knowledge and training that its mission encompasses.