UPDATE: 10/5/2024 Deployments for Hurricane Helene are now posted at LCMS-LERT.ORG. Please read the details carefully as each location has it's own description. Background checks are required for all locations.
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 respond 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. Rev. Ross Johnson, Dir. of LCMS Disaster Response, DDRC’s and pastors in several districts are all collaborating and developing plans for when and where it would be safe to deploy our volunteers. When time comes to respond, 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 considered for possible LERT camps in the Tampa Bay (flooding) area and Georgia (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 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!
LERT background checks will be required for all volunteers. If yours is not current, please start it here: LERT background check link
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. And the potential of 3 storms forecast to possibly make landfall this weekend will certainly slow progress and add another layer to the response. 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.
