Missouri launches Web site to help Missourians be prepared for tornadoes and severe storms
Missouri StormAware Web site includes videos on sheltering and storm warning systems; stormaware.mo.gov also includes links to severe weather texting services to alert Missourians to severe weather in their area
JEFFERSON CITY – The State Emergency Management Agency today announced Missouri has launched a new Web site to help inform and prepare Missourians for severe weather. Stormaware.mo.gov includes detailed videos on how to take shelter in specific types of buildings, important information about tornado sirens and weather alert radios, and links to severe weather texting services that can alert people across Missouri to upcoming severe weather.
[Ed. Note: Even though this is a Missouri sponsored site, Missouri non-residents are also encouraged to visit for disaster preparedness.]
Emergency Clean Up Buckets
It is Spring and the country has already experienced hundreds of Spring storms. The supply of Emergency Clean up Buckets are running low. You can help by making clean up buckets and delivering them by May 1 to the Festival of Sharing office in Columbia, 3009 David Drive or in Kansas City the Heartland Presbytery office, 3210 Michigan Ave. (where our synod office used to be), Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm. The list of items for this Church World Service Kit can be found on the Festival of Sharing webpage — click HERE.
From State of Missouri Department of Public Safety
March 27, 2012Join Gov. Jay Nixon and leaders from Missouri’s faith-based and volunteer communities for a tremendous opportunity to advance our state’ s ability to prepare for, and respond to, disasters. The Governor’s Faith-Based & Community Service Partnership for Disaster Recovery will hold six regional conferences around the state from April 24 to May 4, and your participation is invited and encouraged. All conferences are from 10 a.m.—3 p.m. unless otherwise noted and lunch will be provided.
April 24: Jefferson City; April 26: Cape Girardeau; April 27 (9-noon): Webster Groves; May 1: Springfield; May 3: Lee’s Summit; May 4: St. Joseph.
For more information and how to register for these free events, click Invitation to Disaster Response Meetings.
From ELCA Disaster Response
March 6, 2012U.S. Severe Spring Storms
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
Between February 22 and March 3, 2012, a deadly series of storms raced across the Midwest and the South, spawning at least 64 violent tornadoes that killed more than 50 people and injured many more in 14 states. Hundreds of homes, farms and businesses were damaged or destroyed during the outbreak.
Currently, ELCA Disaster Response and ELCA congregations are providing spiritual care, coordinating volunteer response through local partner agencies and laying the groundwork for further response as communities repair and rebuild. No ELCA congregations have reported severe damage.
Please help now with your contribution to ELCA Disaster Response designated for “U.S. Severe Spring Storms.” Your gifts designated to U.S. Severe Spring Storms will be used entirely (100 percent) to help families whose lives and livelihoods have been impacted by these disasters.
Wondering what else you can do? Please share this bulletin insert with your congregation and tell others of the ELCA’s response.
Your prayers and your partnership are greatly needed and deeply appreciated. Thank you.
Sincerely,
The Rev. Daniel Rift
Director, ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal
Winter tornadoes batter Midwest
March 5, 2012
Harveyville United Methodist Church
A series of tornadoes rampaged through the Midwest last Wednesday (Feb. 29), badly damaging various parts Illinois, Kansas and Missouri, including the entertainment resort town of Branson, Mo.
According to a preliminary report from the National Weather Service, the massive 400-yard wide tornado that hit Branson was on the ground for about 20 miles, and reached winds of up to 120 to 130 mph. The tornado caused about $10 million worth of damage, and at least seven miles of the city’s commercial strip was destroyed.
Harveyville, Kan., (population 250 — southwest of Topeka) was also badly damaged, with initial estimates of 40% of the structures either damaged or destroyed. Included in the damage was the United Methodist Church and parsonage, both of which were destroyed.
Although there were no reported deaths in Central States Synod, at least 9 people were killed overall in the midwest tornado flurry that roughed up Missouri, Kansas and Illinois. Volunteers are pouring in to all sites, and in some cases being turned away as the areas are just not ready or safe. At present the best assistance is financial donations.
Please send contributions (payable to Central States Synod, noting “Disaster Response”) to:
Disaster Response
Central States Synod, ELCA
21 N. 12th St., Ste. 210
Kansas City, KS 66102
Undesignated disaster funds will be used for current responses. If you would like to designate a specific location, please note that on your check.
ONLINE donations: If you would like to make a contribution by credit/debit card, please click:
Davey and Goliath – PSA – “Working Together” – Disasters
In this public service announcement produced for radio and television, Davey reassures Goliath that no matter what happens, God is there through the people who help after a disaster.
After the Flood
A video report from LDR following the 2008 flooding in Iowa: After the Floods
Make a Gift
Financial contributions are VERY MUCH needed. Give through your congregation or the synod, or donate online through the ELCA. Visit www.elca.org/disaster/giving/ for instructions and details on how to get your donation to the desired fund.
