Team Leaders, DOMs, AMSs and Secretaries,
I am going to maintain teams at ALERT status for the moment. This may change by the afternoon as the leaders in the affected areas are able to get out and survey the damage.
From the reports I am getting, the flooding, so far, was not as bad as predicted due to the storm surge not being as high as expected. The state director in Louisiana is saying currently it is a lot of electrical outages and trees down. We need to remain alert as the storm travels northward through Louisiana and Arkansas with high winds and large amounts of rain. The latest tracking has it making an easterly turn as it goes through Arkansas and heading for TN with a lot of rain and some strong winds and possible tornadoes. If the forecast for coming across TN pans out, we may need to do a lot of responding in our own state.
Planning Needs from teams:
In preparing for POSSIBLE deployment, if teams could send me the following information so that we can begin to plan. I know these may not be exact but give me your best thoughts currently.
Team Name:
Unit Number(s):
Unit Type(s):
Earliest Possible Deployment Date:
Approximate number of volunteers on your team:
DOMs and AMSs,
I need your assistance (especially those in West and Middle TN). If the storm tracks over into TN causing trouble, what churches in your associations might be willing to be used as a hub for response? Do these churches have kitchens they would let our volunteers use? What type of restroom and shower facilities does the church have available? Please be thinking about this if we need to react quickly. Thanks
Thanks again to all the Churches, Associations and Volunteers of TN. You are a great example of the love of Christ to folks in a time of need.
Important Reminder to those preparing to respond: Participants in the Disaster Relief response to Hurricane Laura must understand that this response is being conducted in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. All volunteers by virtue of their agreement to participate are indicating that they understand the enhanced danger the pandemic brings to the normal risks and dangers inherent with disaster relief work. Volunteers are representing that they have been free from any symptoms of COVID-19 for at least the last 14 days and agree, if they become symptomatic, to immediately notify their team leader, avoid further contact with others on site, and leave as soon as possible to avoid jeopardizing others. Volunteers must practice CDC recommended guidelines whenever and wherever possible.
In Christ Serving Together,
Wes Jones