Recovery
Hurricane Helene Recovery
Photo Credit: Mike Dubose
The Event - September 27th, 2024
After making landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida as a Category 4 storm, Hurricane Helene created a 500-mile destructive path from Florida to the Southern Appalachians. After two prior days of steady rain, the ground in the Erwin area could not absorb the tremendous amounts of additional rain brought about by Helene. Flood waters inundated nearby I-26 and hundreds of roads within Erwin and Unicoi County were destroyed or closed, thereby preventing rescues and slowing the pace of supply delivery to residents who were totally cut off from access to food, water, electricity and health care.
Here's how Centenary UMC is responding to Erwin's disaster recovery in coordination with UMCOR - United Methodist Committee on Relief
Here's how Centenary UMC is responding to Erwin's disaster recovery in coordination with UMCOR - United Methodist Committee on Relief
I-26 Bridge Washout
Johnson City Aerial Photography
Flood Waters @ Chestoa Bridge
Photo credit: Tricia Staton
Industrial Park Flooding
Johnson City Aerial Photography
The UMCOR Response
Readiness - Rescue - Relief - Recovery
Readiness
While prior training is an important part of the Readiness phase, that isn't always possible. Another part of this first phase is a planned response to the emergency. UMCOR representatives are quickly in contact with local UMC pastors, ascertaining immediate needs, implementing proven processes and maintaining contact with local agencies and
on-the-ground disaster response experts. In Centenary's case, 200 prepared flood buckets and hygiene kits were delivered to the church when the town was first accessible by
highway. These buckets were delivered by congregation members to established community response teams which then distributed according to their response strategies.
Large quantities of bottled water cases were also quickly distributed into the community.
on-the-ground disaster response experts. In Centenary's case, 200 prepared flood buckets and hygiene kits were delivered to the church when the town was first accessible by
highway. These buckets were delivered by congregation members to established community response teams which then distributed according to their response strategies.
Large quantities of bottled water cases were also quickly distributed into the community.
Response
As UMCOR does not participate in Search & Rescue, the committee is actively planning its own response to the local disaster - primarily in fundraising and communications
areas. UMCOR representatives are completing community needs assessments and then ensuring the resources needed for recovery will be in place for both long-term
and short-term response.
areas. UMCOR representatives are completing community needs assessments and then ensuring the resources needed for recovery will be in place for both long-term
and short-term response.
Relief
Relief includes securing the disaster work sites for recovery workers and ensuring basic human needs are met: clothing, water, food and shelter. During this phase, UMCOR is coordinating immediate assistance to the locality as well as arranging for supply deliveries from UMCOR Depots. Additionally, specially trained Early Response Teams
are deployed into the disaster area to prepare property for repair and reconstruction while offering support and hope to disaster victims.
**CENTENARY HOUSE WILL BE IN PREPARATION PHASE THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 7TH IN ORDER TO HOUSE EARLY RESPONSE TEAMS**
PLEASE CONTACT MARVIN @ 423-743-4672
are deployed into the disaster area to prepare property for repair and reconstruction while offering support and hope to disaster victims.
**CENTENARY HOUSE WILL BE IN PREPARATION PHASE THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 7TH IN ORDER TO HOUSE EARLY RESPONSE TEAMS**
PLEASE CONTACT MARVIN @ 423-743-4672
Recovery
The Recovery phase of disaster response typically takes the longest amount of time, depending on the extent of the disaster and the resources that are available to be applied to the recovery. The restoration of a normal life can take years once job security has been re-established; homes have been restored or replaced; educational systems are operating as normal; and reliable transportation has been restored. Hope is an essential element to be restored as disaster victims adjust to the "new normal" lives.
Read More Here on Holston Conference Disaster Response
https://www.holston.org/disasterresponse
https://www.holston.org/disasterresponse
Centenary United Methodist Church will be serving the Erwin community long after the rescue crews and volunteers have completed their work on our behalf. Your contributions
to our on-going efforts to work within out local community are immensely appreciated.
to our on-going efforts to work within out local community are immensely appreciated.
The Centenary Response
Week of October 20th
- Supplies at Centenary House have been sent on to flood victims or distribution centers.
- This is a week of transition within the UMCOR response - a week of re-centering thoughts and approaches to mentally prepare for the next phase.
- Unicoi County has activated the same crises intervention portal that UMCOR utilizes, which should facilitate accurate communications and access to resources.
- We were notified that UMCOR brings its own kitchen crews.
Week of October 13th
- Correspondence from Three Rivers District indicates there is some trouble identifying people who need help with the post-flood clean out of their homes. Congregation members are asked speak to friends and neighbors to ascertain their need (and any self needs) for clean out/gut out help and to forward names to Jessica C. This list will be shared with the district office and county officials in order to expedite assistance.
- Drinking water is well stocked and we can stop collecting it.
- The collection of flood buckets and hygiene kits can be discontinued.
- The next response need will be WORK GLOVES, RUBBER GLOVES & BLEACH. There is an adequate initial supply available through UMCOR's two depots, but we will most likely need to collect in the near future.
- Monetary donations are encouraged for the Holston Conference Flood Fund in order to meet the tremendous needs of the flood areas. Active link:
- Clean up of Centenary House is complete.
Week of October 6th
- Congregation members pitched in to clean Centenary House for the planned week-long stay of an UMCOR team.
- Additional relief supplies were delivered during the week and quickly distributed to community members affected by the storm.
- Operational areas were developed and assistance-seeking communications sent out so work lists could be created to keep the recovery process moving along.
- We are currently in a natural period of recovery which incorporates organizing, reviewing, learning and documentation.
- On-site Centenary personnel continued relief support throughout the week, meeting individual needs as they presented, accounting for incoming and outgoing resources, and meeting with UMC disaster relief representatives.
- Generous donations began to come into the Erwin Disaster Relief fund both through personal checks and the online giving platform. All proceeds are intended for local relief. Consider notifying your friends, family and workplaces by email and personal social media pages that our relief fund is fully operational and their support for the affected local community is appreciated. Active link:
https://centenaryumc.us/give
Week of September 29th
- At first opportunity, Pastor Linda met with the congregation, setting aside a planned worship service to ensure the emotional and safety needs of the congregation were met.
- UMCOR was contacted and arrived that morning with flood buckets & hygiene kits.
- Congregation members were accounted for and their safety status reported in.
- Planning began for meeting immediate community needs: foods and supplies delivered to established distribution areas.
- Implementation began for the long-planned community meal with additional meals planned for delivery to response workers.
- Erwin Disaster Relief Fund established for directing resources to the local community.
Photo Credit: Tricia Staton