Team Leaders, DOMs, AMSs and Secretaries,
Photo: NOAA
I just want to give you a quick update on what is going on with the response to Laura and the new storm Sally.
LAURA-We continue to send Chainsaw teams to Louisiana. We have been working in Winnfield. That work is slated to close this weekend and we are moving our future teams to Alexandria. All teams that are scheduled at this time should have received an email from Elizabeth today giving the address and contact change of information. If you have not received this information, let us know. Over 800 chainsaw jobs have been completed from the SBDR volunteers. That is huge. Most importantly, 256 have trusted Christ as Savior during the response. Keep sharing your faith.
SALLY-Sally is still churning along the Gulf Coast at a snail’s pace dumping a lot of rain. It looks to have missed Louisiana and has cause minimal damage in Mississippi. However, Alabama and Florida are getting inundated with rain and wind. On today’s phone call both states are beginning to assess what their needs are. It looks like in FL they may need help with flood recovery, chainsaw, chaplains and possibly feeding teams. If we are given an area to serve like we did during Michael, we possibly need IC and all the other support types of units. THEREFORE, I am asking everyone on alert for possible response.
I know many of you have helped in responding to Laura, please check your availability for possible response to Sally. We may need teams to respond as early as this coming weekend. I will update you more when I have more information.
Please make sure as you serve that you observe all safety protocols. We do not want anyone injured. Be safe.
Please remember the following due to the COVID event continuing to take place. Participants in the Disaster Relief response to Hurricane Laura and Sally 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.
Thanks again for your service to the Lord.
In Christ Serving Together,
Wes Jones