The South Georgia Conference is no stranger to storms.
And folks throughout the Conference – not just those on the coast – need to be aware and should always be prepared for what may lie ahead.
The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 and is predicted to have “near-normal” hurricane activity, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
NOAA is forecasting a range of 12 to 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 5 to 9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).
Whether this season is average or above, being prepared for storms – no matter if they’re hurricanes, tornadoes, or wind and rain events – helps protect people and properties when disasters do strike.
Conference Disaster Response Team
When a need arises, Luis Morales, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, wants South Georgia United Methodists ready to respond.
Both Morales and the conference’s
district disaster response coordinators are actively engaged in training, preparing, and responding.
“Our district coordinators are working with people in their districts trying to get them in an awareness mode, always prepared for the season,” he said.
As part of the conference reorganization, two districts are now paired under one superintendent. Our district disaster response coordinators will also align themselves under the same construct: Coastal and Northeast Districts - Kelly Crane, North Central and South Central Districts - Luis Morales, and Northwest and Southwest Districts - Glenn Martin.
Prepare now
How do individuals and congregations best prepare?
Prepare now so you don’t panic later, Morales said.
“Prepare for the worst and pray for the best,” he said. “If you’re prepared in advance you won’t panic when you’re closer to a calamity like a hurricane or tornado.”
Morales recommends everyone check their preparedness via the
American Red Cross’ online tutorial or the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s checklist.
Here are a few basic preparedness tips from
www.ready.gov, the official website of the Department of Homeland Security:
- Have an evacuation plan in place and know where to go if you need to evacuate
- Have a disaster supply kit ready, including flashlights, batteries, cash, first-aid supplies, and copies of important documents
- Plan for adequate supplies if you do not evacuate
- Have an emergency communication plan in place
- Sign up for your county’s emergency alert notification system, if applicable
Respond when needed
Being trained as an early responder is a great way to be prepared when a need arises, Morales said.
South Georgia United Methodists are being certified and recertified so they can be ready to serve when a disaster strikes. Through the ERT training, volunteers can be trained and badged in the Basic Early Response Training or choose advanced courses to acquire new skills. Training in chainsaw operation is also available.
Although churches have disaffiliated from the conference, Morales says that all UMCOR credentials remain valid.
“The reason people took the ERT class - because of their willingness to help our neighbors in a time of need - remains there,” Morales said. “The disaster team needs all credentialed persons with a passion and skill for this work so that we can accomplish the work of disaster response in South Georgia and beyond.”
According to Morales, UMCOR only requires ERTs to be Christians and bring the Christian presence to survivors during a chaotic and stressful period of their lives. Regardless of church affiliation and as long as credentials are current, individuals can be a part of an early response team.
The disaster response team is asking anyone who has already been trained in early response to complete a quick 2-minute
survey. This survey will help the team map out their current capabilities as the team moves forward.
The Conference is also connected to local and state agencies to more effectively render aid and resources when needed.
“We are members of the state VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster). We partner with them and have a network of state agencies, private agencies, and nonprofits that come to bear when something happens,” Morales said.
For more information about the work of the disaster response team and how you can be involved, contact Luis Morales at
ert@sgaumc.com.
