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Stormy Reminders
Hello, Chapel family! It’s time to talk about storms that could directly impact us and our community. But before I begin, keep in mind that we’ve lost power on the island multiple times this summer. We could (and should) expect to lose power, even if we just catch the outer edges of an incoming storm.
As such, it would be silly for us NOT to remember a few helpful tips:
1. Phones: Charge all of your electronic devices and keep them fully charged. If power is lost, you’ll need a full charge to stay connected with emergency warning systems and your loved ones.
2. Phones: Don’t waste battery strength talking about nonsense. I’m thinking like one of your children at the moment. Don’t waste your battery strength talking to friends about stuff that is non-emergency related. Your family across the country will be worried sick about you during the storm. If you’ve wasted your battery talking about next week’s social event, your children will be very unhappy with you. Save your battery. Use texts. (Texts use much less battery than a phone conversation). Check in with family members and let them know you’re okay and give them a time for the next check-in so they’ll know when to expect your next text message. Spare them some hair loss and tummy trouble and let them know (by text) that you’re okay.
3. Home: Make sure you have plenty of water. If you have a bathtub, consider filling it with water. In case water is turned off by our town and municipalities, a bathtub full of water can help in lots of ways.
4. Home: If power is lost in your home, refrain from accessing your refrigerator and freezer. These appliances can maintain very cold temperatures for quite a while if their doors are kept closed. Consider using ice chests for your regularly needed items, such as medicine, lunch meat, milk/juice, cheese, etc.
5. Home: If physical balance is something that normally causes you some concern, do not venture outside when the storm begins. Wind gusts are unpredictable and it’s not uncommon for debris to be flying around. Be safe and stay inside.
6. Vehicles: Fill your vehicle gas tank before the storm arrives. Expect storm surges to be much higher than regular rainfall so keep that in mind when you’re trying to figure out where to park your vehicle prior to the storm’s arrival.
7. Emergencies: You don’t want to experience a personal emergency during a storm. Don’t do something dumb, like eating a food item that you know you shouldn’t. First responders are receiving lots of calls and they’re doing their best to cover everyone’s needs. They can’t be everywhere at the same time so think smart and be smarter and keep yourself from injury and illness as best as you can.
8. Evacuation: Finally, and most importantly: If you are on LBK and the town issues an evacuation, please evacuate. Evacuation orders include everyone, including municipal staff, emergency personnel, and draw bridge operators. If you stay on the island beyond mandatory evacuation, you are truly on your own. NOBODY can help you. Draw bridges will be raised and left up until emergency and utility personnel can return to assess the situation, which could be long after the storm has passed.
So there you go! Your annual storm checkup reminder. I’m glad I was able to make it short enough for you to read and not long enough to bore you. Either way, I’m done.
Pray for each other and pray for the safety of everyone in the storm’s path. You are important. God wants you safe and so do your loved ones. Be smart and pay attention to the town emergency response system (use the QR code below to register).
I look forward to seeing you soon at the Chapel!
God Bless, Brock.
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