SPDR Update: Winter Storm

Dear Synod of the Sun,

Please take care to be sure your homes and church buildings are winter ready. This weekend, we are expecting freezing temperatures and precipitation around all of our Synod. Meteorologists are noting similarities to the 2021 Winter Storm Uri. See the attached images from a meteorologist who presented during a VOAD meeting today. Some northern areas in our Synod are anticipating over 8 inches of snow!

Here are important winter readiness suggestions from the Synod of the Sun Partnership for Disaster Recovery: 

• Food/Water: Be sure to stock up on water and non-perishable food items, first aid/medications, and batteries. Consider storing tap water in extra containers or a bathtub, in case more water is needed.

• Carbon Monoxide Safety: Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors. Never run camp stoves, generators, or outside cooking equipment inside your home. 

• Emergency Supplies: Keep on-hand extra blankets, portable heaters, flashlights, and if possible, a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio. 

• Remember to Charge Your Chargers: Charge your backup phone batteries. 

• Bring inside: Bring pets and potted plants inside.

• Water Pipes: Protect your pipes. Disconnect garden hoses and cover external faucets with foam insulators. Turn off your sprinkler system. Drip faucets to prevent freeze damage.

Make a safety plan for vulnerable family members and church members. Church elders/deacons/pastors or your congregation's disaster response teams are encouraged to designate a person or team to stay in contact with vulnerable members, and identify a safe alternative shelter with them in advance, in the event of power loss. Call vulnerable church members to remind them of winter preparedness steps, and encourage them to have blankets and portable heaters ready, especially.

In Case Of Power Outages During Winter Storms, if alternative shelter is needed:

• Call 211 or tune into local radio stations for local services

• Online search "winter storm shelters" or "warming shelters" on your city/county website

• FEMA Shelters: Text SHELTER and your zip code to 43362

• Check the Red Cross or Salvation Army's updates online for local warming centers 

Be safe, Synod of the Sun! SPDR will remain available to support communities as needed. Please feel welcome to contact Libby Janes (972-741-5777) with any questions or needs.

Sincerely,

Libby Janes, LCSW, MDiv

Synod of the Sun Partnership for Disaster Recovery, Director

libby.janes@synodsun.org

(972)741-5777