Yesterday's Storm

As I was sitting in the back of our church in south Arlington yesterday, I heard the warning sirens going of outside. I quietly exited the sanctuary and looked outside. Sure enough, due east of the church was a wall cloud that had definite rotation, and it appeared to be heading in our direction. We abruptly ended the worship and moved everyone out of the statuary.  The wall cloud dissipated quickly, but it was just one part of a storm system that Dumped large hail on a path from Grand Prairie and other cities throughout the Metroplex. I am sure insurance agencies are being overwhelmed today with calls about houses and cares that were pummelled by hail some of which was as large as baseballs. It's at times like these that I find comfort in the words of Psalm 9: 9-10. "The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD , have never forsaken those who seek you. "

Hail in my Yard 1 hour after the Storm

In the aftermath of the storm I am wandering how many families were prepared for a disaster. Due you have a Family Disaster Plan? You should have one.  It is simple to create a plan and it can pay off if a disaster impacts your family. Below are exerts from an article I wrote for The Men's Network on how to put a family Disaster Plan.

Developing a Family Disaster Plan
1. Gathering Information
Find out what types of disasters occur in your area. Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans. This information can be gathered from the National Weather Service, the Office of Emergency Management and non-profit organizations like the American Red Cross and Salvation Army.
2. Create a Plan with Your Family
Discuss the information you’ve collected. Pick two places to meet: 1) a place outside your home for an emergency like a fire, and 2) a place outside your neighbourhood, in case you cannot return home. Pick a friend or relative living outside your area as your “family check-in contact person,” in the event your family gets separated. Discuss plans for your family, if you must evacuate the area. Gather emergency numbers. Include numbers for the poison control center, law enforcement, the fire department and your church. Find out where to turn off your utilities. Know how to cover windows and air vents to seal a room. Know how to safely exit your home.
Caution: Remaining in a sealed room for a prolonged period of time may cause asphyxiation.

Putting Together a Family Disaster Kit
When disaster strikes, there is usually little time to assemble the items you need. This is why you should put together a family disaster kit. Items you may need in your disaster kit will vary in different areas; however, you will want to include  items like the following:
1.) A three-day supply of nonperishable food and water (one gallon per day per person)
2.) A change of clothing and footwear per person
3.) One blanket or sleeping bag per person
4.) A first-aid kit, including prescription medicines in original containers
5.) Emergency tools
6.) A battery-powered radio with extra batteries
7.) A flashlight with extra batteries
8.) An extra set of car keys
9.) A credit card or cash
10.) Special items needed for infants, the elderly or disabled members of your family
11.) A roll of duct tape
12.) Plastic sheeting
13.) Sanitation supplies
14.) Rubber gloves