Steps to Assistance

As more local churches help flood and storm damaged people, please keep in mind the steps to disaster assistance.

Step 1 Utililize Homeowners/Renters Insurance

Step 2 Register for FEMA/State Assistance

Step 3 Apply for Small Business/Individual (SBA) Loan

Step 4 Apply for Other Needs Assistance from State (must submit SBA loan application first)

Step 5 Ask for assistance from United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and other faith-based relief through the Long Term Recovery Commmittee case worker.

If the local church extends permanent repairs or replacement of lost personal property before all 5 steps have been taken, there is a high risk of inadvertently hurting the client through "duplication of services." Rushing forward with repairs may hurt more than it helps. Please help the client through the process to recovery.

W. WA Disaster Help Line Phone Numbers

Housing Help Line ************************1-866-233-7643

WA State Help Line************************1-800-688-3469

American Red Cross************************1-866-438-4636

Disaster Unemployment*********************1-877-416-7274

FEMA Registration*************************1-800-621-3362

Insurance Commissioner's Help Line********1-800-562-6900

Boistfort Work Teams

Ruth Peterson at Boistfort Valley advises that "work days" are being held on Wednesday and Saturday.
It appears that the need for teams to help clean out houses is coming to an end in Boistfort Valley. Additional cleanup may still be needed in Lewis County. Contact the Lewis County United Way Volunteer Coordinator.
A big expression of gratitude to all of those who have helped with the cleanup.
As we progress from the "Relief" or cleanup phase of the disaster, remember that the next phase is the "Recovery" phase. While the relief phase lasted about 30 days, the recovery phase is likely to last about 300 days.
Please volunteer for the recovery by taking part in a Long Term Recovery Committee in the communities impacted by the storm.

Disaster Response Coordinator.

Helping Hands Needed

There is an immediate need for cleanup crews and some volunteers to remove wet drywall in the Boistfort Valley southwest of Chehalis. Before you go, you must contact the UMVIM coordinators, Rev. Ruth Mathis, and/or Ronda Cordill.

Local Contact: Ruth Peterson, days, 360-245-3207, evenings 360-245-3960, grpete@centurytel.net
Place: Boistfort Grange (no address - between fire station and school in Boistfort)
Time: Anytime between December 17-23, 2007.
Accomodations: Make arrangements with area United Methodist Churches.
Availability: There were approximately 15 job sheets available the night of Dec. 16th.
Duration: One day or longer depending upon accomodations.
Tools: Clean up tools, such as shovels, flood buckets, etc. and tools for removing drywall.
Photography: Pictures may be taken after gaining permission.
Requirements: Do not deploy without the approval of Rev. Ruth Mathis, 360-798-3251, or Ronda Cordill, 509-235-5466, UMVIM Coordinators.

PNW Disaster Response Coordinators

Helping Hands

Volunteers wishing to help those impacted by disaster, please coordinate with the United Methodist Volunteer in Missions Coordinators (UMVIM), Rev. Ruth Mathis ruthrev@aol.com 360-798-3251, and/or Ronda Cordill r_cordill@yahoo.com 509-235-5466. They need to make arrangements for your helping hands and coordinate your work with other Faith-based organizations.

Churches wishing to send youth groups and/or mission teams to the disaster area, please coordinate your activities through the UMVIM coordinators.

Please do not just show up. Unscheduled arrivals add to the confusion and complexity of the disaster.

Financial donations to the Pacific Northwest Conference Disaster Assistance are always welcome.

PNW Disaster Response Team

Disaster Relief Hints

First a News Bulletin:
Part of the Disaster Response Team, an UMVIM Coordinator, and District Superintendent Mike Graef met with Rev. Tom Peterson and Missy on Tuesday, December 11, 2007. It appears that they are doing well considering the circumstances. Workers are in the parsonage drying it out. There was considerable damage to personal property which will need to be replaced. The good news is that the parsonage had flood insurance.

The following is a checklist for assistance:
1. Call your insurance company--which is SAFECO for Conference owned property.
2. Register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA.
3. Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center to learn about other federal benefits available such as unemployment insurance, individual low interest loans, etc.
4. Avoid duplication of benefits.
5. Refer people requesting assistance from churches to the early response agencies such as American Red Cross and Salvation Army.

To help those impacted by the wind and the water of the winter storms:
1. Donations can be sent to the PNW Conference Treasurer for "Disaster Assistance."
2. Donations can be sent to The United Methodist Committee on Relief whose speciality is casework during long term recovery.
3. Volunteer with a United Methodist Volunteer in Mission Team.

Rev. George Abrams
Disaster Response Coordinator
509-951-0983

Washington State Emergency Management link

http://www.emd.wa.gov/

WARNING
SAY NO TO CO!

Protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning (called CO) when using portable generators and pressure washers.

• You cannot see or smell CO, but it can kill you or make you sick.
• Be safe when you are using any device that burns fuel or has an open flame such as generators, cooking stoves, propane burners, barbecues, etc..
• Never use a generator indoors or in a garage carport, or basement.
• Keep the generator or pressure washer engine outside and away from doors, windows, and vents.
• Read product directions for other safety tips.
• Install a battery-operated CO detector near the bedrooms.
• Chain the generator to a tree or other fixed object to prevent theft.
• Look for symptoms of CO poisoning:

Headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness.

Get out of the house and seek medical help immediately if you or your family have these syptoms!

Individual preparedness actions recommended by the Washington State Emergency Management Division:
Residents in flood prone or flood watch areas should consider the following preparedness actions:
• Listen to radio or television stations for local information and weather reports.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood suddenly.
• Do not walk or drive through floodwaters.
• Secure your home. If time permits, also secure items located outside the house.
• If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves.
• Fill your car with fuel.
• Fill the bathtub with water in case the water supply becomes contaminated or services are cut off. Sterilize the bathtub first.
• When deep flooding is likely, permit the floodwaters to flow freely into your basement to avoid structural damage to the foundation and the house.
The State EOC is monitoring flood levels and weather conditions and standing by to provide further assistance to local jurisdictions as requested.
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