Responding to Texas Fire Disaster
Wildfires swept across Texas due largely to the prolonged drought over the past several months. The fire burned thousands of acres in Montgomery, Grimes, Waller, Bastrop, and surrounding counties. More than 1,500 homes have been destroyed by the fires. More pictures...
Lutherans are working to respond to this disaster and help those affected by the fires.
To post updates and to find out what is happening go to: Gulf Coast Synod Disaster Facebook page. Para más información en español.
Donations to support those who have been affected by the fire can be mailed to TX-LA Gulf Coast Synod (12941 North Freeway, Suite 210, Houston, TX 77060 - please note "Fire Relief Fund") or by Credit Card.
To lift up those who are suffering from the fires in worship you may use this bulletin insert (o en español) to use as an entrance rite in lieu of the confession; or as a sending rite following the blessing.
The Time to Prepare is NOW!
72 Hour Lutheran - Be prepared for 72 hours after a disaster. A list of everything the supplies you will need to meet your household's basic needs for 72 hours.
American Red Cross - Immediate Disaster Assistance - If you have immediate emergency needs for food, clothing, shelter or medical care, visit one of the local offices of the American Red Cross or call toll-free number: 1-800-Red Cross. Donate to the Red Cross to assist with disaster relief.
Disaster Assistance - Apply for disaster relief; check status of your application.
FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Helpful tips for you, your family, and your congregation to BE PREPARED for
a disaster.
Hurricane Fact Sheet - A guide to help you before, during and after a hurricane - pdf
Tips from FEMA on How to Communicate During Disasters
Emergency Management Coordinators for Counties in Texas
Brazoria County: Steve Rosa 979-864-1801
City of Houston: Mayor Anisse Parker 713.837.0311
Fayette County: Janett Carrigan 979.968-6469
Fort Bend County: Jeff Braun 281-342-3411
Galveston County: John Simsen- 281-309-5002
Harris County: Mark Sloan- 713.881.3100
Jefferson County: Greg Fountain 409-835-8757
Montgomery County: Nicky Kelly 936.523.3900
Washington County: Robert Smith 979-277-6288
Emergency Management Coordinators for Parishes in Louisiana
Calcasieu Parish (Lake Charles): Dick Gremillion - 337-721-3800
Volunteers
Want to help in recovery efforts? Find more information here
Communication
Congregational Blogs - Blogs for each congregation in the Gulf Coast synod to write their evacuation information, needs, etc.
Displaced Leaders Contact Form - Share with the synod office where you are and how you are doing in the event of a disaster.
Other Helpful/Important Downloads
Print-Ready Order of Worship for Sunday Service in the Aftermath of a Hurricane - pdf
Worship Resources In Times of Disaster - pdf
Hurricane IKE Consumer Resource Page, From the Texas Department of Insurance
Como Reemplazar Documentos Perdidos
Renters Rights After a Disaster
Derechos de Inquilinos Despues De un Desastre
Quyen Loi Cua Người Thuê Nhà Sau khi Bão
Home Repair Fraud After a Disaster
Fraude en la Renovación de su Hogar Despues de un Desastre?
TRÁNH BI LƯỜNG GẠT KHI SỬA CHỮA NHÀ CỬA SAU KHI BÃO
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)