Susquehanna Conference Disaster Response

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! Did you know that over 140 people in Pennsylvania have died from lightning strikes since 1959? The most recent happened in April 2023. Thunderstorms are common in Pennsylvania—and that means lightning is, too. Whether you're inside or outside, it's important to know how to stay safe. ⚡ 5 Outdoor Lightning Safety Tips If a storm is coming and you’re outside: Get to Safety Fast: Go indoors or into a hard-topped car right away. When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! Links to Ready PA Newsletter signup. Avoid Tall Objects: Stay away from trees, poles, and towers. Stay Out of the Water: Don’t swim, fish, or hang out near rivers, lakes or pools. Crouch Down if You Must: If you can’t get inside, crouch low—don’t lie down. Spread Out: If you’re in a group, don’t cluster together. 🏠 5 Indoor Lightning Safety Tips Even indoors, you need to take precautions: Don’t Use Plumbing: Avoid sinks, tubs, and showers—lightning can travel through pipes. Unplug Electron...

Volunteer Opportunity for Hurricane Ida Recovery Efforts  Dear VIM Teams,  We are reaching out to inform you that the Eastern PA Conference is in urgent need of volunteers for recovery efforts following Hurricane Ida (August, 2021). This is a critical time for our community, and your support can make a significant difference.  Currently, there is great flexibility regarding availability, allowing you and your team to contribute as your schedules permit. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Denise F. Shelton directly. She will assist with coordination and paperwork to ensure a smooth process.  It is important to remember that, even though significant time has passed since Hurricane Ida, many survivors are still in the rebuilding phase. Recent reductions in volunteer support due to America Corps cuts have further highlighted the need for help. Together, we can make an impact and serve our community in this time of need.  Please reach out to Denise...

VIM Trip to Asheville, NC Psalm 46 1-2 reads, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Here we are eight months after Hurricane Helene and there is so much devastation still left from the hurricane, but the Lord is near the brokenhearted and saving the spirits through this devastation. A group from Mt. Calvary UMC (Harrisburg, PA - River Valley District) and Faith UMC (Bellefonte - Mountain Valley District) are just returning from a Volunteer in Missions trip to Asheville, NC. As they worked to help the survivors rebuild they saw many things that showed them that this area is still in need of help. As you drive through, there are vehicles that were once functioning that are now junk cars. Many of the businesses that were once thriving are now no more. One homeowner had many raised garden beds, a B&B cabin, a hot tub, green grass, and it is all now wiped away from the storm. This particular family had to climb up the mountain to escape the ragin...

 May 1, 2025 - Six months after Hurricane Helene struck Augusta, Georgia, signs of the storm’s wrath were still everywhere – toppled trees, damaged homes, broken hearts. But in late March, a team of eight volunteers from the Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences showed up with chainsaws, prayer, and a quiet but steady determination to serve.   For one week, these faithful responders – a mix of trained Early Response Team (ERT) members and first-time volunteers – brought more than tools and skills. They brought presence. They brought hope. And they brought the deep, Spirit-led conviction that no one should face recovery alone.   Their anchor project quickly became what they called the “model house.” Fourteen massive trees had fallen on the property, including one that crashed through the roof. With rain pouring in, the home had to be stripped to the studs. The team threw themselves into the work – clearing debris, replacing floors, mudding drywall, and eve...

Right here in Susquehanna Conference (Central PA) we are in need of teams to help with recovery work (rebuilds) after Tropical Storm Debby brought devestation to several of our counties. In particular northern Tioga County will be looking for some VIM teams over the next few months. We are currently working through the particulars with Tioga County personnel. Please stay tuned for updates!

6 Ways to Protect your Home from Spring Flooding Spring is coming, and with it, the risk of flooding. Heavy rains and melting snow can lead to water damage in homes, but the good news is that you can take steps now to protect your property. Here are six easy ways to keep your home safe from floods: Duck in flood water. Links to Ready PA Newsletter signup. 1. Check Your Flood Risk Before you do anything else, find out if your home is in a flood-prone area. You can use this tool to check your flood risk. Even if you don’t live near a river or stream, heavy rains can still cause flooding, so it’s always good to be prepared. 2. Get Flood Insurance Did you know that regular homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage? Flood insurance can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. Since it takes about 30 days to go into effect, don’t wait until the next big storm to get covered! You can buy it through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurance companies. Learn m...

Western Area VOAD has issued a call for volunteers. 75 to 100 individuals need snow removal from sidewalks, entrances, and driveways in Erie County. Some are unable to leave their residences due to entrance and exit ways being blocked. Most are Seniors or Disabled. If you have resources or volunteers to help please sign up on this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4AAEA92BA4FEC61-53634978-west?useFullSite=true#/ Or if you have any questions, you may contact Western PA UMC Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Leslie Foland, at disasterresponse@wpaumc.org or 814-844-3294.

Please pray for our Early Response Team that is serving in North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church this week and continuing to clean up from Hurricane Helene. This team is made up of members from Skaneateles United Methodist Church, Massena First UMC, Kenmore United Methodist Church, McKownville Church, Susquehanna Conference Disaster Response , and California-Pacific Conference of the United Methodist.

L to R:  Ed Stuart, Rev. L. Fitzgerald Reist II, Sharon Heck, Gene Heck Impact of Tropical Storm Debby on Local Communities The destruction caused by Tropical Storm Debby in Tioga, Potter, Lycoming, and Union Counties was significant, leading FEMA to issue disaster declarations for these areas. Numerous residents and businesses faced damage and are currently striving to restore their properties.  One church in Knoxville, PA, suffered particularly devastating losses, as an entire wall was washed away due to the flooding. In addition to the wall, they also lost their ADA ramp. Despite these challenges, the community rallied together.  The Cowanesque Church extended an invitation for the Knoxville Yoked Church to join them for Sunday services while repairs were underway.  During this period, the UM Foundation provided a grant of $5,000 to support survivors affected by Tropical Storm Debby, which was awarded to the Knoxville Yoked Church by the Disaster Response Minis...

IRS offers tax relief after major disasters Disaster relief can be authorized by the IRS when certain criteria from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are met. Generally, the IRS will authorize disaster tax relief to all areas identified on a major disaster declaration if FEMA identifies at least one area qualifying for their Individual Assistance program. Those who have been affected by a disaster can visit Tax relief in disaster situations on IRS.gov for information on what tax relief applies to them and other resources that will help them recover. Tax relief The following types of tax relief are a few of the ways the IRS helps after a major disaster. The IRS gives taxpayers more time to file and pay: Taxpayers whose address of record is in an area qualifying for IRS disaster tax relief will automatically receive extra time from the IRS to file returns and pay taxes. The IRS's disaster assistance page provides updates and links to resources. Information is also availabl...