Disaster Ministries is continuing to monitor forecasts as Tropical Storm Debby approaches. The National Weather Service forecasts heavy rains, storm surges, and flooding over the next few days. Tropical Storm watches and warnings are in effect for areas along the NC coast. 

We will share updates on our website as more information becomes available. You can stay updated on the latest weather updates by checking out the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service websites for Morehead City, Raleigh, and Wilmington. 

Here are tips on how you can prepare your home and church, what to do if disaster strikes, and updates from the Early Response Team.

✅ Preparation

Prepare You Church

• Create a disaster plan or review your current church plan. Download a church disaster plan template.
• Compile a list of contact information of the congregation and staff. Create a calling tree to check on congregation members following a storm. Download a contact card template.
• Make sure to have copies of essential documents. 
• Prepare the church property. Secure loose items and weatherize the building. 
• Check to see what your church’s insurance covers and how to file storm damage claims. Take an inventory of the church to document items and their conditions.
• View an overview of what to do when a disaster strikes. 
• Stay up to date with the latest weather updates, know where emergency shelters are located, and what the evacuation routes are for your location. For more information on emergency alerts, visit ReadyNC.gov or ncdps.gov.

Prepare Your Home

• Create an emergency kit for you and your family. Don’t forget your pets when you are gathering supplies. Visit the American Red Cross, FEMA, or ReadyNC website for a list of items to include in your kit and view NC VOAD’s Preparation Checklist for Older Adults (Spanish PDF).
• Create an emergency plan. Establish a calling tree, locate storm shelters, and make necessary arrangements for your pets.
• Secure loose items, weatherize your home, and take inventory of items and their conditions. 
• Talk with your insurance company in advance to learn what your plan covers and how to file storm damage claims properly.
• Stay up to date with the latest weather updates, know where emergency shelters are located, and what the evacuation routes are for your location. For more information on emergency alerts, visit ReadyNC.gov or ncdps.gov. 

View our preparation page for more resources on individual and church preparation. 

📌 What to Do When Disaster Strikes

If your church is impacted:

• Contact your District Superintendent and District Disaster Response Coordinator
• Contact the Conference Disaster Response Coordinator at 888-440-9167
• Activate your church disaster plan

If your community is impacted:

• Contact your District Superintendent and District Disaster Response Coordinator
• Contact the Conference Disaster Response Coordinator and Disaster Call Center at 888-440-9167 or disaster@nccumc.org
• Activate your church disaster plan
• Deploy volunteers per church plan and training

View and download an overview of what to do when disaster strikes→

🔨 Early Response Teams

Early Response Teams (ERT) will likely be called to serve after the storm has passed. We will send out information to ERTs if needs arise. ERT leaders, please contact your members in preparation. If you are ERT certified and do not have a team, please contact the Disaster Call Center at 888-440-9167 or disaster@nccumc.org.

If you are interested in becoming ERT certified, visit our training page to register for an upcoming course.