Responding Effectively to the Oklahoma Storms

Greetings K-O!

It's Laura, your Oklahoma Disaster Coordinator.

There were lots of storms here in Oklahoma on 4/27. I'm sure some of you want to know how you can help. Please wait until you hear from me again before doing anything. You may already know these things, but in case you don't, here are some tips. Do not send anything to any storm sights. When we send donations that are not needed, they get in the way and take away from what is needed. Please also do not self-deploy and show up at any storm site without the UCC or another organization requesting you to go. This puts pressure on those already there to take care of you instead of the people who need it. 

I am connected with the Oklahoma VOAD, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters, and I am getting updates on what is happening. When we have a better idea how we can help, I will reach out with requests. Oklahoma is quite gifted already, thankfully and unfortunately at disaster response. Our Baptist, Catholic, Salvation Army neighbors, and several other organizations already have the inroads to show up, organize, and feed. Our role in disasters is more of a backseat, long term support. We show up when everyone else is leaving sort of thing. If there is need for clean-up buckets, school supplies, or any of the other things we can do, I'll let you know. Damage assessments will begin in Sulphur today so specifics aren't yet known.

If you have a loved one affected by a storm and they have a particular need, please do show up and love them as you do. These notes are for the larger community response. If you have a loved one with a bigger need than you can meet, please reach out to me by email, and reference the storms, lauraeliwoods@gmail.com. As always, people impacted by the storms can call 211 for information on local resources and 988 for help with mental health.

Thank you so much for your continued desires to love Every. Single. Other. Laura