We are now just over a month into the 2023 hurricane season, with three named Atlantic storms – Arlene, Bret, and Cindy – already history. Fortunately, none of those had serious effects, but there have recently been severe thunderstorms in both North and South Carolina, including hail, wind damage, and flooding.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted a normal hurricane season for this year, including from 12 to 17 named storms and 1 to 4 major hurricanes. As the summer progresses and water temperatures in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico rise, the possibility of more damaging hurricanes increases.
Severe thunderstorms are always a possibility here in the Southeast, especially during the hot summer weather we often experience. It is wise for us to be alert for forecasts of severe weather and to be prepared for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes as well as hurricanes. All of these can bring high winds or heavy rain, causing downed trees or flooding, which result in property damage, power outages, or impassable roads. Ways to monitor the weather include having a NOAA Weather Alert Radio and a weather app on your phone. (Many local television stations provide these for free and include things like lightning alerts and storm warnings.)
We encourage congregations to think about being prepared in order to protect your property and be prepared to serve others in your community and beyond. One great resource is the Congregational Preparedness Guide prepared by Lutheran Disaster Response, which will help leaders in your congregation consider what disasters are more likely to affect your community and guide you in planning for those disasters. We would be glad to meet with your congregational council, property committee, or disaster team to help you develop your plan.
We also encourage individuals and families to be prepared at home. The first step is to make a plan. Consider how your family will learn about and respond to severe weather affecting your community.
Experts say that we should be prepared to be self-sufficient in our own homes for up to 72 hours in case of emergency. That allows time for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other disaster support to arrive and begin providing services following a major disaster.
We know that local first responders will be at work more quickly, but by planning to be self-sufficient, we help free up emergency resources for those in the most urgent need because of health conditions or damage to their homes caused by the disaster.
What does it mean to be self-sufficient for 72 hours? Simply put, it means that we should all be prepared with food, water, medications, emergency cash, and other essential supplies for our family (including pets). FEMA a great guide to help you build a kit for your household. Portions of that kit, especially the clothing, medications, and important documents, should be packed so that you can carry them out if you need to evacuate.
With your kit, you and your family will be well prepared for any disaster that might affect your community, and better able to help others in need.
