Emergency Preparedness / 2024 / May
May 2024 Message
Dear Durham Stake Members,
In our area of the country, there are two main types of weather events for which we must be prepared. In the winter we prepare against ice and freezing rain. In the summer and autumn we are on the watch for hurricanes. Hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts until the end of November, with this year expected to have about 20 named storms affecting the east coast of the US.
Hurricanes bring high wind, lots of rain, and sometimes tornados. The wind can topple trees, which take out electrical wires. The rain causes flooding, making roads dangerous and also weakening trees.
What is the best way for us to prepare for a hurricane? The best thing to do is always start with the basics and have supplies that you will need in a power outage, such as flashlights or candles, batteries, a cell phone battery pack, and a supply of non-perishable food. In addition, a 72-hour kit for each member of your family, in a place where it can be quickly accessed, is a great way to be prepared for an emergency situation.
Knowing what to do in a storm, and teaching your kids, is also a great way to be prepared. Some important rules of thumb to know and teach are: Never attempt to drive on flooded roads, and find shelter in an interior lower story room during an active hurricane warning.
For more information on how and what to prepare for hurricane season, visit the NOAA website.
As you prepare for storms, remember that as we follow the prophets' guidance to prepare for emergencies, our trust in the Lord will be our "refuge and fortress." (See Psalm 91)
Holly & Chris Earls
Stake Emergency Preparedness Coordinators