» Download: Preparing For Disaster Bulletin Insert (download .pdf file)
With the updated flood forecasts, the probability of flooding in several regions of North Dakota is rising. Here are a few suggestions of what you can do to prepare to minimize your loss during a natural disaster:
- Move snow away from your house’s foundation.
- Prepare a Family Emergency Plan: Identify an out-of-town contact who can communicate with separated family members; buy a cellphone or prepaid phone card to call family during an emergency; and subscribe to local alert services.
- Gather financial information (checks, saving books, cash, insurance policies, etc.) and store in a waterproof bag.
- Gather important papers, documents and irreplaceable family memorabilia and store in an airtight plastic waterproof container.
- Store photo negatives off-site such as in a safe deposit box.
- Make a list of valuables and take pictures of items and rooms. This is a valuable resource should your property sustain damage.
- Make a contingency plan for lodging outside of the path of danger.
- Keep a basic emergency supply kit (external link) accessible.
This kit should include:- water
- 3-day supply of food and snacks
- flashlight
- NOAA Weather Radio and batteries
- first aid kit
- prescription medications
- change of clothing
- bedding and pet supplies
- If necessary, plug and seal floor drains, toilets, and sinks in lower level of your home to prevent water backup.
To download a kit checklist and get more information on disaster readiness, visit www.ready.gov (external link)
For more flood preparedness information, visit www.ldr.org (external link)
A Message from the Bishop:
For the past 15 years, Lutheran Disaster Response (external link) has led the way in disaster response and recovery in North Dakota. Whether it was helping residents recover from the tornado in Northwood; responding to floodwaters in the Red River Valley, around Devils Lake or the Missouri River; Hands Across North Dakota; drought recovery in southwestern North Dakota—this program of Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota (external link) has worked with local pastors and community leaders to identify needs… organized the volunteers… worked in tandem with the Great Plains Food Bank, another program of Lutheran Social Services of ND, to provide emergency supplies… led coordination of other charitable organizations with government agencies to assure the wise stewardship of resources… and assisted with connecting people who had unmet disaster needs to the proper resources.
As a Lutheran, you can be proud of this tradition of service carried out in your name for all people of North Dakota, regardless of age, gender, religion or national origin.
Today we are facing a critical convergence of events—the possibility of major flooding and the potential repeat of statewide flooding as in 2009. Along with this, a shortfall of funding will keep Lutheran Disaster Response from providing any meaningful disaster response this spring.
Lutheran Disaster Response needs our help. Their absence would create enormous hardship for any part of our state afflicted by a natural disaster this year. We ask you to prayerfully consider making a donation, in any amount, to aid in this critical need. All funds will go to pay direct expenses for statewide disaster preparedness, response and recovery of Lutheran Disaster Response. A portion of these funds may also be used for direct client assistance.
Lutherans can help lead the way for the continued ability to shed Christ’s light and love on those most vulnerable. Thank you for your prayerful reflection on this request. May God bless you and keep you safe.
Bishop Bill Rindy
How You Can Help:
- Donate Online (external link)
- Donate By Mail
Make checks payable to Lutheran Disaster Response and mail to:
PO Box 389 – Fargo, ND 58107 - Volunteer (external link)
Call 1-800-366-9841 or email LDRvolunteer@lssnd.org
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