Northwest District of the United Methodist Church Tornado Update from the Northwest District For the second time in just three years, the small towns of Mayflower and Vilonia have been devastated by spring tornadoes. There have been several fatalities, and many more injuries. The Vilonia United Methodist Church sustained major damage, as did several members homes. We continue to be in prayer for all those that were in the path of these storms. Things to remember Please do not self-deploy. We need to allow the search and rescue, utility companies, and other emergency agencies to do their work first. An influx of well-intended volunteers before a community is ready can actually hamper recovery by requiring attention and services that are needed elsewhere. DO NOT SEND CLOTHES - This is called the second disaster as a space is required to house the donations, and volunteers are needed to collect and sort. It can overwhelm a community in the early stages of a disaster. Our UMC has an agreed and understood protocol (based upon experience and expertise) with other churches and agencies about who does what and when. Our pastors and representatives have been on site for quite some time and will let us know what is needed. How can I help? Pray: Lift up all those affected by last nights storms. Report: If you know of friends or family in the affected area, especially those who are United Methodist, they can report their information to [email protected]. Donations: Please Donate to UMCOR, 100% will go to help the victims of this disaster or send it directly to: Arkansas Conference Attn: Disaster Response PO Box 3611 Little Rock, AR 72203. Click on this link to make an online donation: ARUMC Disaster Relief arumc.org/arkansas_disaster_response Make a Tornado Tub: 2 18-gallon tubs with lids (stack one inside the other) 1 5-8 oz. can or bottle of insect repellent (be cautious of the name of the scent - see note below) 1 8-12 oz. can or bottle of spray air freshener 1 pair of work gloves 1 pair of rubber gloves 1 package of zippered plastic gallon bags (20-count) 1 package of zippered plastic quart bags (30-count) (Both sizes will help sort through smaller items that need to be kept together such as jewelry, paperwork, etc.) 1 permanent marking pen 1 roll of colored duct tape (can help label and identify one households items) 5 dust masks 22 heavy duty trash bags (more for trash removal) 20 kitchen trash bags for larger, personal items that need containment. (Since these bags are white, it can help survivors also have an idea what is in the bag.) 1 40-50 oz. laundry detergent (Be cautious of the names of the scent. A name like after the rain, which normally sounds peaceful, in this context may be upsetting to some.) Place all items inside the inner tub and tear off a 2-3 ft. section of duct tape; place the rest of the roll in the tub. Put both lids on and snap them down. Put the section of duct tape on the tubs to hold everything together. Drop off completed tubs or supplies at Central Fayetteville, Central Rogers, First Harrison, First Russellville, Leslie/Marshall, Mena, or the District Office at 4010 Grand Avenue. Prepare: And lastly, you can prepare to go. In the initial stages of relief, we ask that only ERT-certified workers be deployed. DO NOT GO UNLESS YOU HAVE BEEN INVITED AND ARE BADGED. This is critical for the best long-term recovery. As the cleanup and rebuilding phases progress, there will be need for the next 18 months to two years for those willing to work. Training events in our district are listed below. If you are a team leader, send your teams information including names, contact information, your church and dates available to [email protected]. (Individuals can also send the same information and indicate you are not on a team.) Upcoming Early Response Training Events in the Northwest district: VIM TEAM LEADER AND TEAM MEMBER TRAINING When: June 7th 2014 Time: Registration begins at 8:30 Class starts at 9:00 Where: Grace Community UMC Ft. Smith, Ar. Cost: $25 per person Contact Byron Mann to register: [email protected] or 870-826-0268 ERT (Early Response Team) TRAINING When: Saturday, May 24. Time: Registration begins at 8:30am, class is from 9:00am to 5:00pm (lunch provided) Where: First United Methodist Church, Fort Smith AR 72904 (Family Life Center) Email: [email protected] to register
Posted on: Mon, 28 Apr 2014 19:02:48 +0000
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