As Hurricane Helene Approaches Let Us Pray for All Who Are in Its Path:
Loving God, in the communion of Christ, we are joined with the trials and sufferings of all. Be with those who endure the wind and rain. Protect those in the path of danger. Open the pathway of evacuations. Help loved ones find one another in the chaos. Provide assistance to those who need help. Ease the fears of all and make your presence known in the stillness of your peace; Through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
(From Worship Resources for Natural Disaster)
A state of emergency has been declared by both Governor Roy Cooper in North Carolina and Governor Henry McMaster in South Carolina as Hurricane Helene continues to increase in intensity. Helene is forecast to make landfall in Florida as a major Category 4 hurricane and advance through Georgia as a category 1 hurricane. All of South Carolina and most of Western North Carolina are under tropical storm warnings. Tropical Storm winds and heavy rain (up to 12 inches) are predicted for most of the western parts of both states. Areas east of the eye of the storm are more likely to experience tornadoes.
On Friday, travel is not recommended. Heavy rain, flash flooding, and tropical storm force winds will make driving very hazardous. Stay home! If you have not prepared to shelter in place for at least 3-5 days, do it now. With recent rains, more rain and wind will make many roads impassable with downed trees and it may take several days to clear roadways. Do not drive through flooded roadways. You cannot see if the pavement is still there, or if it has washed out. Turn Around! Don’t Drown!!!
Here are some things to consider NOW:
- Be following weather information from a reliable source, like the National Hurricane Center or your local National Weather Service office to know what to expect in your area.
- Be sure you have a way (or multiple ways) to receive weather updates even if the power is out.
- Locate your flashlights or another light source in case of a power outage. Check your supply of batteries or lamp oil and stock up if you need more.
- Secure outdoor furniture and other items to prevent them from being damaged or becoming airborne in high winds and causing other damage.
- Take time now to check out your generator and purchase fuel if you need more.
- Charge your laptop computer, cell phones, and other devices and keep them charged.
- Be sure that you have the necessary supplies to be at home for 3 to 5 days without power. Consider how much water, food, medications, paper goods, and pet food you may need. Remember that you will need food that you can eat without heating if the power is out.
- Have cash on hand in small bills for emergency purchases.
For more information on resources needed to shelter at home, please go to www.ldrcarolinas.org/resources, or www.ready.gov, www.readync.gov, or www.scemd.gov
Follow www.facebook.com/ldrcarolinas for more updates. We will share the latest information as the storm approaches. Arrival for wind and rain is predicted to being late Thursday evening for the Carolinas. Your preparations should be done by then so you can plan to stay home and safe.
If your home is damaged, please report it to www.crisiscleanup.org/disasters. That will help you secure volunteer assistance and help officials complete damage assessments following the storm.
For ELCA rostered leaders in North or South Carolina, if you, your home, your church building, church members, or the homes of congregation members are impacted by this (or any other disaster), please contact your bishop and the LDR Carolinas coordinators.
If you would like updates directly from LDR Carolinas, please join our network here.
