MS Storm Update

FYI, Update from C.J. Caufield, MS Disaster Response Coordinator. If a call for volunteers is made, it would come from the SEJ UMVIM office to Conference DRC's or UMVIM Coordinators.

1) OVERVIEW
2) OUR RESPONSE
3) OUR PLAN
4) OUR CONNECTION

1) OVERVIEW

Here is the 4pm listing of counties which had homes destroyed or with major damage in the weather events of March 26 in Mississippi:

- Jasper: One home destroyed, one home major damage, two homes minor damage, one mobile home destroyed, one injury.

- Jones: One home destroyed, two homes major damage, 18 homes minor damage, two mobile homes destroyed, nine mobile homes minor damage, two businesses minor damage and three injuries.

- Lauderdale: Two homes destroyed, 20 homes minor damage, four mobile homes minor damage, one business minor damage and one business major damage.

- Lincoln: 18 homes major damage, trees and power lines down.

- Simpson: 36 homes destroyed, 29 homes major damage, 50 homes minor damage, One business destroyed, six businesses major damage, one church destroyed, on church major damage and 25 injuries.

Statewide: 58 homes destroyed; 50 homes major damage; 100+ homes minor damage

There were no deaths – thank God!

2) OUR RESPONSE

We made initial on-ground assessments throughout the early-mid morning hours and had conversation with VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters) partners local emergency services partners to determine need for Early Response Teams (ERTs). The developing plan resulted in two teams (Tupelo District and Starkville District) being deployed to the area. They are being hosted by Williamsburg UMC in Collins, MS. These two teams worked to tarp some dwellings and will re-convene with same Friday morning.

3) OUR PLAN

We will continue assessment and work with our VOAD partners to minister in the Methodist spirit, stretch our resources, and serve more neighbors in a timelier manner. Specific partners with whom we worked include Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi, Mississippi Assemblies of God Disaster Response, Southern Baptists, Salvation Army, American Red Cross in addition to local and state emergency management folks.

We will work into and through the recovery phase, as well.

4) OUR CONNECTION

UMCOR has been in touch several times throughout the day to remind us of their availability and assistance. We need you to pray and give. Please pray for those impacted and safety for our teams. Please consider a special collection or donation to help offset the costs of responding. Those gifts may be sent to the conference office indicated for “March 26 2009 Storms.” Our neighbors need us.

Please let us know what gifts in ministry you may have to offer, also!

Thank you for your ministry and partnership with us. Thank you for helping us to be there and be hope.

Stay safe.

Peace and blessings,

cj

Academy Arrival Info

C.J. has sent along some last minute info on Sunday Arrivals, Airport Transfer, and a reminder to bring bed linens and towels.

Sunday arrival--if you need to arrive on Sunday evening, this is possible, but there will be no meals available. There are some local places to eat. Please include an additional $15 if arriving on Sunday evening.

Airport Transfer--Pickups at Jackson Airport will be Sunday evening, Monday morning and transfers back to airport will be on Thursday at conclusion of the academy. If you need a ride, please send the following information to fashcraft@spsd.k12.ms.us.

Arrival: Airline, Arrival Time, Flight Number
Departure: Airline, Departure Time, Flight Number

If you have questions, contact C.J. Caufield at disasters@mississippi-umc.org, 601-940-7272.