Iowa Disaster Response update March 7, 2022

Update 3/7/22
 
Saturday, March 5, 2022, a large, severe storm front moved across Iowa resulting in tornados in the late afternoon. Many communities have been impacted and sadly these storms resulted in seven deaths. 
 
As caring brothers and sisters many of us want to get into the car and go.  

However, today, the communities are asking that un-invited, un-trained volunteers STAY AWAY! For now. 

The communities impacted are in the assessment process and got heavy snow today. Coordinated recovery efforts are suspended for today! (3-7-22) 
 
In the days to come there will be many opportunities to help, please check on the community Facebook or web page for information as to when and where help is needed.   

Please call ahead and schedule your work day(s).
 
There are many ways you can help today.

• PRAY for those affected, those in shelter, those responding.  
• DONATE a financial gift to Iowa Disaster Response, Special Advance #223 or to a local church impacted by the storm.
• REACH OUT to someone you know who was affected by the storm and call, send a note or text them. Knowing that others care and are praying makes a HUGE difference. It’s the best of who we are as a connectional church.
• MAKE CLEAN-UP BUCKETS and HYGIENE KITS. We have already delivered several thousand across Iowa and have plans to deliver more.  Bring completed clean-up buckets to Annual Conference, we will have one of our Disaster Response Trailers next to the Midwest Missions trailer in the north parking lot. Go to UMCOR.org for how to make Clean-up Buckets and Hygiene Kits.
• GET TRAINED AND GET A TEAM TOGETHER. When the time is right you can go and help. ERT and UMVIM Training will help to prepare you for volunteering. Contact Catie Newman to schedule ERT or UMVIM  Training.

As we get more information we will share it along to you.  
 
Blessings to you!
 
Pastor Catie Newman
IAUMC Disaster Response Coordinator
https://www.iaumc.org/disasterministries
712-899-4067 call or text