UMCSC Disaster Response leaders are assessing needs in the wake of Hurricane Isaias, which brought stiff winds and heavy rains along coastal and eastern South Carolina Monday night.
Local churches should check on church property and members who could need assistance. Any damage should be reported to your district superintendent and district Disaster Response coordinator.
With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, all efforts should include safety protocols to keep all volunteers and others safe and protected.
Disaster Response leaders are coordinating their efforts with the United Methodist Committee on Relief, the State Emergency Management Division and South Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.
After the storm – once local emergency management officials determine it is safe to do so – pastors should check on all church property and parsonages Churches also should check on their vulnerable members, particularly the elderly and shut-ins, as well as their communities.
“Our trailers are stocked and ready to respond, and the United Methodist Committee on Relief is ready to send supplies, such as cleaning buckets and health kits, should we need to request them.”
Disaster preparation tips for pastors, local churches
Here are some resources to help local churches with preparations:
- Sample Local Church Disaster Response Plan
- Emergency Preparation checklist
- United Methodist Committee on Relief
- United Methodist Volunteers in Mission
Want to help?
- Pray: When disaster strikes, pray for the safety of the survivors, ERTs and first responders. Here’s a place to start.
- Give: Help the United Methodist Committee On Relief prepare for disaster response by donating money. Click here to make a donation today. Please do not bring unsolicited items to the conference center.
- Get trained: We always need volunteers trained to work on Early Response Teams. Contact Matt Brodie, conference disaster response coordinator, at mbrodie@umcsc.org or 803-786-9486, Ext. 265, for more information.
- Prepare: Assemble and donate relief supplies for UMCOR. Click here to learn how.
