Preparations

As Always, Preparation is Key
 

• SE Louisiana should be preparing NOW for Marco which is expected to make landfall along the Louisiana/ Mississippi Coast on Monday, possibly as a Cat. 1 hurricane.  As of now, Laura looks like it will make landfall near the TX/LA border as a strong Cat. 2 hurricane late Wednesday or early Thursday.
   
• The track and intensity of these storms can change quickly so keep an eye on the weather reports.  Have a NOAA weather radio available in case of power outages.
   
• If evacuation orders are issued, be smart, and get out of harm's way. 
   
• If you evacuate, your go-bag should include all the usual items (medications, important papers, etc), but this year be sure to add masks and hand sanitizer.
   
• Charge your cell phones, fill your gas tanks, and make sure you have batteries for flashlights.
   
• Have a sufficient supply of food, water, meds for at least a week. 
   
• If you have a secondary power source, be sure it’s charged.
   
• Store any items around your home that could become dangerous projectiles.
   
• Have a plan – know where you will go if you must evacuate; make sure your evacuation plan includes plans for your pets.
   
• Check on your neighbors – especially the elderly and most vulnerable.  Not everyone has a place to go or reliable transportation. 
   
• Depending on the track of these storms, power outages could take longer to repair than normal, so plan accordingly.
   
• Additional tips can be found here.

After the Storm

Individuals:
 

• If there are power outages and downed trees, please don’t venture out until the power company has cut the electricity to the downed lines.
• Check on your neighbors.
• If you have sustained damage from the storm and need help with remediation, please let your pastor know.

Pastors:
 

• Inform your District Superintendent if your church, parsonage, and community have suffered damage.
• If your community has sustained significant damage, please let your District Superintendent know your status even if you and your church are fine. 
• If the community is able to handle the storm damage without help from the outside, great.  Encourage that.
• The Office of Missional Outreach and Engagement can get cleaning kits and tarps to you and your church if there is a need. 
• If the damage in your community is more than can be handled locally, let your District Superintendent know. The Office of Missional Outreach and Engagement can send trained and certified teams to help with mucking, tarping and debris removal.

Volunteers:
 

• Please do not self-deploy.  Allow the Office of Missional Outreach and Engagement to assess the damage first and determine where the help is needed.