From your Disaster Relief Coordinator – Rev. Stephen Redman

The tornadoes that ripped through western Missouri are a good reminder that preparation for the tornado season is of utmost importance at this time.

First: I have heard many statements recently that let me know there are many who do not understand tornadoes and what is necessary to survive such events.

  1. “We won’t have a tornado here because – we live in a city, we live near a body of water, we’ve already had a tornado and it won’t hit here again, tornadoes only hit where there is a trailer court….” Wrong, wrong, wrong and wrong… Tornadoes are an act of nature and don’t have a book of rules. While many hit and move on, one tornado was on the ground from Missouri through Illinois and Indiana!
  2. “I haven’t heard a siren, there can’t be a tornado!” Wrong on two counts. First, many communities do not sound sirens unless there has been a verified sighting. Second, sirens are for those OUTSIDE. It warns people to take cover. If you are inside, you may not hear the siren! This is why a NOAA alert radio is important!
  3. “I don’t have a basement.” The bathroom or a closet is still better than nothing. Think small space with no windows.

Second: When a tornado hits it’s too late to prepare.

  1. If your home is damaged or destroyed, the insurance company will want verification of ownership and contents. If your mortgage or photos of items are scattered over three counties, this will be difficult. Keep copies in a “jump bag” ready to move with you and in a secure location like a safety deposit box or safe.
  2. Keep a list. Do you know who to call to board up your house or place a tarp on your roof? Do you know how to turn off your gas and water supply? Do you have a place to meet members of your family? Do you have a list of phone numbers, including: Physician, Vet, Pharmacist, Family members?
  3. Is your church ready to help? Does your church know what to do to help members in distress after such a storm? Where would your church meet if the church was damaged or destroyed? Who’s going to reach out to neighbors, not members that are hurting?
  4. Realize! It may take up to two days to reach you if you are buried in rubble...in your jump bag you should have non-perishable food (and an opener!), a whistle, a light with batteries, and a way to keep warm.

How can I help those who lost so much? First: Pray! Ask God to use this event to allow many to help those who are hurting. Second: Stay! In the first few days, rescue and clean-up will be taking place. This is NOT the time to be a gawker or to go without an arranged time and place to serve. Dial 211 and offer your special skills. Third: Pay! The most helpful gift is not used clothing or out of date food. Water is helpful but only if there is a request from the site. If you wish to donate, check the agency you will support. Some use your funds for fundraising or salaries. If you contribute to the UCC Disaster Relief Fund through your church or conference, all funds are used at the site! Mark your check to designate your preference as to which disaster you wish to help. Creating clean-up kits in preparation for such events (Festival of Sharing) helps neighbors as they recover from such storms or floods.