Story by V. Michelle Bernard
Adventist Community Services (ACS) Disaster Relief (DR) staff around the Columbia Union conferences are preparing for the potential local landfall of Hurricane Florence.
Florence could possibly impact parts of Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Ohio. (Visit local sources for up-to-date information on your location.)
In preparation for the storm, Bob Mitchell, ACS/DR coordinator for the Potomac Conference, urges members to stock up on necessities. “Now is the time,” he said in an email shared with ACS/DR workers and volunteers in the conference. He urged people to have at least three gallons of water per person per day for drinking, cleaning and cooking, and added, “Some professional emergency managers are recommending a minimum stockpile of 2–3 weeks worth of all supplies—water, food, medications, etc. Following other storms, Virginia has seen power outages last for several weeks.”
Mitchell emphasized the need to remember personal safety in storms and evacuate when recommended. Don’t wait until it is “ordered,” and leave early so it is possible to still purchase fuel and food, he says.
John Belliveau, ACS/DR coordinator for the Chesapeake Conference, added that people usually forget to clean their gutters, cut down dead and weak branches before a storm and put yard furniture inside. “We expect a lot of rain. Clogged gutters could cause basement flooding and other damage that is unnecessary. Weak branches can fall on vehicles or other property, including the home. Light objects in the yard can go airborne.”
How You Can Help
Mitchell shared the following tips on how Columbia Union members can help in an emergency.
1. Pray for the safety of our members and their community neighbors.
2. Become trained in the ACS/DR ministry. Then volunteer when called upon.
3. Support local and national ACS/DR ministry with your financial offerings.