LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE

As natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes occur, there is the need for volunteers to assist in the clean up and recovery. The NCLMM has developed a network of volunteers who are able and willing to go to the disaster area and help. Individuals with different skills are needed. NCLMM is building a list of names, skills, phone numbers and addresses. In times of disaster, these individuals would be contacted and given an opportunity to participate in a disaster relief effort.

In addition to the willing volunteers, the NCLMM recognized the need for a fully equipped trailer to use in the response to a natural disaster. Stocked with generators, chain saws, high pressure washers, shovels, and all types of other equipment needed to deal with rebuilding after a catastrophe occurs, the trailer is pulled into a disaster zone and set up. The volunteers of NCLMM have made use of "The Trailer" in response to several relief efforts including the damage to the Gulf Coast in Mississippi caused by Hurricane George, the wind damage caused by Hurricane Dennis on the coast of North Carolina and the flooding which occurred after Hurricane Floyd in eastern North Carolina.

North Carolina Lutherans are also working on volunteer housing projects in Honduras and Guatemala. Work continues with Church World Services Disaster Response and the National Council of Churches to establish volunteer housing in Central America where the disasters of the recent past have almost been forgotten.

Charles Moeller, chairman of the NC Lutheran Disaster Response committee, is proposing the formation of Lutheran Quick Response Teams. These teams would be organized, trained and credential to travel into disaster areas immediately after a disaster and assist with salvage. Emergency and law enforcement agencies are increasingly limiting access to disaster areas by spontaneous volunteers. A trained response team is much more likely to be accepted by those responsible for the safety of life and property.

You can volunteer for disaster response or become a member of a Lutheran Quick Response Team by contacting the synod office or submitting a volunteer form.