Hello Christian Friends & Homeschoolers,

Your children probably already have heard about Hurricane Irma on the news channels. This is a good teaching moment to include FEMA in your homeschooling program. The mission of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is to support the citizens and first responders to promote that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. The many hazards include hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, drought, earthquakes, wildfires, tsunamis, landslides, volcanoes, chemical and biological threats, and winter storms. 

FEMA has designated September as National Preparedness month. Their message states: “Don’t wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today. Disasters don’t plan ahead. You can.” Here is a sample Hurricane Ready Checkoff List:

• Gather supplies and fuel before storm
• Secure your home including outdoor items
• Secure your boat or remove from water
• Make an evacuation plan and practice it
• Know who to call in an emergency
• Check on neighbors
• Take a first-aid class so you can help before first responders arrive
• Keep an emergency kit wherever you spend time: home, car, work, etc.
• Download the FEMA App and set up local alerts

You can learn more on FEMA’s website at Ready.Gov. The National Seasonal Preparedness Messaging Calendar includes a general preparedness checkoff list. There is also a winter, spring, summer, and fall checkoff list as well.

As you know, Hurricane Harvey recently took its toll on Texas and Louisiana. Harvey triggered flash flooding in parts of Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee from Aug. 31-Sept. 1. It appears that Harvey’s long-lived odyssey has come to an end, but its catastrophic impacts will be felt for weeks and months to come.

There are numerable ways to help such as with the American Red Cross, by volunteering, or assisting n your local community. Many different churches are helping with volunteers such as the Mormon Helping Hands. Another church led by Pastor Wilkins has partnered with Samaritan’s Purse, a reputable organization with vast experience in disaster relief to receive donations to provide aid and relief to many who need assistance. You can also help by sharing this Facebook page with others. Let’s not forget that prayers are always needed and appreciated by disaster victims!