As you have seen in the news, Hurricane Helene has left devastating destruction and deaths across parts of Florida, Georgia, western parts of the Carolina's and eastern parts of Kentucky and Tennessee.
While no deployments (except food service in NC) have been announced, it is not because LERT does not intend to send volunteers to these areas. As you know, LERT teams are not first responders, but early responders. We do not deploy until it is safe for our volunteers and we have accommodations available to support them.
At this time, most of these areas do not have electricity or water and many are still inaccessible. Search and rescue operations are also still occurring. LCC leadership are in communication with Rev. Ross Johnson, Dir. of LCMS Disaster Response, DDRC’s and pastors in several districts. We are all collaborating and developing plans for when and where it would be safe to deploy our volunteers. When we do deploy, we will need to be self-sufficient, so as to not put a further strain on the communities we serve.
On site assessments are beginning today with LCMS Disaster Response and disaster affected District Presidents, DDRC’s and local pastors, after which final plans for response locations will be made.
Currently, three areas in the FL-GA District are being looked at for possible LERT camps:
- Tampa Bay Area - flood response
- Valdosta, GA - trees
- Augusta, GA - trees
The Southeastern District is evaluating their camp possibilities in the Carolina’s, but will have more difficulty due to the loss of infrastructure and accessible roads.
Planned LERT deployments will be officially announced on the LCMS-LERT.org. All registration links with deployment information will be sent to LCC LERT volunteers as soon as available. Remember you will need to complete a background check to register, but they are now without cost to you!
This recovery will take months to years, and there will be opportunities to serve in several states and in various areas of service, such as flood work, chainsaw, debris removal, food service, spiritual and emotional care, rebuilding, etc. Please watch your email for deployment and service opportunities.
Until there are solid plans for a response to this hurricane, please do not self-deploy and keep all of those affected in your prayers, along with the first responders, utility workers, as well as our leadership as they make plans as to how we can show mercy to the survivors of this catastrophic hurricane.
LCC Disaster Response Team
