Information on a new event; an update on providing kits; news about Bridging Together, a reminder for Winter Weather Preparedness Week, and more…
Congregational Preparedness Workshop
Gather a team of leaders from your congregation and join us for a free opportunity to begin developing a preparedness plan for your congregation. This event will be held at St. Luke’s, Summerville on Saturday, January 18. We will gather beginning at 9:30 a.m. with the workshop 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Lunch and resources will be provided. Please register by January 10 using this link. Other workshops are being planned for the coming months in the Midlands and Upstate, as well as locations across North Carolina.
Cleanup Kits, Children’s Comfort Kits, and Hygiene/Personal Care Kits
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed these kits! We have distributed hundreds of these kits in Western NC following Helene, plus some in SC! If you have already purchased supplies for these kits, please do complete them and deliver them to a collection point, but please do not begin more new kits at this time. Distribution of these kits has slowed as we move into long-term recovery. We will be storing any extra kits already on hand for use following a future disaster.
Bridging Together
As we move into the new year, building bridges to help survivors of Helene return to their homes will be a big priority. The best way to help right now is to make a donation to the Bridging Together project.
Plans for our first bridge are underway. This will be a training opportunity for those who would like to volunteer building bridges. Contact Ray for more information.
Winter Weather Preparedness Week
December 1-7 is Winter Weather Preparedness Week, just as colder weather arrived in the Carolinas this year! We have been sharing information from a variety of sources each day on our Facebook page. Preparedness for cold wintry weather should include the 4 Ps: People, Pets, Plants, and Pipes. Now is the time to make plans that protect all of these!
The National Weather Service calls winter storms “deceptive killers” because most deaths are not directly related to the storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads and from carbon monoxide poisoning while using alternate ways to heat or power a home.
As the NC State Extension Disaster Information Center reminds us: “It is important to be prepared for quickly changing weather conditions. Winter weather can bring dangerous conditions including cold, snow and ice. Being prepared is your best defense.”
Here are links to some great resources on preparing for wintry weather at home and as you travel.
https://www.weather.gov/rnk/NCWinterWxPreparedness2024
This page includes a long-term winter weather forecast and information on becoming a winter weather observer.
https://www.ready.gov/kids/disaster-facts/winter-weather
This page includes information on different kinds of winter weather, as well as two serious health risks: hypothermia and frostbite.
https://www.readync.gov/stay-informed/north-carolina-hazards/winter-weather
This page includes information on winterizing your home as well as staying safe during a storm at home and while traveling.
https://ncdisaster.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/12/2024-winter-weather-preparedness-week
This page includes updated information on weather watches, warnings, and advisories.
https://www.scemd.org/stay-informed/publications/severe-winter-weather-guide
This page includes a downloadable winter preparedness guide, with suggestions for before, during, and after a winter storm.
All these sources remind us that even here in the South, we should take cold weather and winter storms seriously. Winter storms can be very difficult to predict because conditions change quickly and can be quite different just a few miles apart.
Next LDR Carolinas Network Meeting
Join us for our next LDR Carolinas Network meeting on Thursday, January 9 as we share information about ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene in both North and South Carolina, and other events! Sign up for network news and meeting information here.
