**Not Actual Photos of Hurricane Beryl**
In recent days, Hurricane Beryl has wreaked havoc on Texas, bringing with it devastating winds, torrential rains, and widespread flooding. The urgency and importance of having a well-thought-out evacuation plan have never been more apparent. As God's Prepared Warriors, it is our responsibility to be prepared not only physically but also spiritually for such emergencies. This blog post will guide you through practical steps for planning and executing a safe evacuation and will also provide spiritual insights to help you remain grounded in faith during crises.
Practical Steps for Evacuation Planning and Execution
Stay Informed: Or as I would say, "Stay Vigilant"!
Keep up with reliable weather updates from sources like the National Weather Service and your local weather stations and local authorities.
Pay attention to evacuation orders and alerts. Delaying evacuation can be dangerous.
Keep up with live weather radar to track storms.
If you have a Ham or GMRS Radio you can recieve your local weather if the electricity goes out.
Keep a weather radio handy! This will keep you up-to-date with weather information as well
2. Create a Family Emergency Plan:
Prior to the storm meet with family members and set a time to plan out evacuation routes. Create A, B, C & D plans.
Designate a meeting place along your Plan A, B, C, &D plans in case family members are separated.
Choose an out-of-town contact person who can coordinate information. This would be someone you know who is not in the path of the storm to keep you updated with information.
Plan evacuation routes and alternate routes, what I call your plan A, B, & C plans in case main roads are blocked.
3. Prepare an Emergency Kit:
Include essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, important documents, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and cash.
Don’t forget personal hygiene items and supplies for pets.
If you are in a vehicle, your car should have a bigger kit in the truck, but remember if you have to get out of your car to walk due to clogged highways also take a backpack of supplies. This is called a Bug-Out-Bag. (You can go here for a BOB list, from my previous blog post titled, "Essential Items for a Bug-Out Bag".) 4. Secure Your Home:
Remember the Idea here is to plan this ahead of time, maybe in the off season of severe storms, or If time allows. But plan ahead.
Cut out plywood for your windows and doors to secure windows and doors with these plywood cutouts.
Turn off utilities if instructed by authorities to prevent gas leaks and electrical hazards.
You can turn your water off at the meter with a tool from Home Depot.
You can turn of your electricity at the meter outside your house to the main. Just a flip of the switch.
You can cut off all gas appliances at the cutoff in your home.
Move valuable items to higher ground to protect them from flooding.
This could be a safe in the attic or up stairs floors of your home.
5. Execute the Plan:
Leave as early as possible to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
Follow designated evacuation routes and avoid shortcuts if possible, as they may be blocked or dangerous.
Stay calm and keep communication lines open with family and authorities.
Spiritual Preparation and Support
In times of crisis, spiritual preparedness is just as crucial as practical readiness. Our faith can provide strength and peace, helping us to navigate the uncertainties and anxieties that accompany natural disasters.
Prayer:
Begin and end each day with prayer, asking for God's protection and guidance.
Pray for those affected by the storm and for first responders who are working tirelessly to ensure everyone’s safety.
Pray for God to take away any anxiety or fear from you.
2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
2. Scripture Reading:
Meditate on comforting scriptures such
Psalm 91:1-2 - “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
Reflect on God’s promises to protect and provide, even in the midst of chaos. 3. Community Support:
Psalm 121:5-8 - “The Lord watches over you — the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” This Psalm reminds us that we can always trust in the knowledge that the Lord is watching over us. He will never leave us alone, and He will protect us.
Psalm 18:2-3 - “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my savior, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies.”
Connect with fellow believers to offer and receive support. Church communities can be a source of practical help and spiritual encouragement. Also, think about this: prior to storms what support do you have in your "Plan A, B, C, & D routes that you can reach on your way to your rondevu point? Or what church communities does your local church affiliated with on those points that you can seek support from? Connect with those.
Share resources or see resources before the storm as you plan your evac plans. If you are not in the affected area be ready yourself to offer shelter to an incoming family or friends, and provide emotional support to those in need.
4. Trust in God's Provision:
Remember Philippians 4:19 - “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
Trust that God will meet your needs and guide you through the storm. He is the way maker!
Hurricane Beryl’s impact on Texas underscores the importance of being prepared for emergencies. By following practical steps for evacuation and leaning on our faith, we can navigate these challenging times with resilience and hope.
As God's Prepared Warriors, let us stay vigilant, stay prepared, and always remember that faith is our shield. Together, we can weather any storm, trusting in God’s unfailing provision and protection.
Fernando
God's Prepared Warrior
GPW Links:
Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/GPW4J
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Fernando's Pics for this blog
Baofeng UV-5R Two Way Radio Link: This is a Dual Band 144-148/420-450Mhz Walkie Talkie 1800mAh Li-ion Battery.
Baofeng GMRS Radio GM-15 Pro Link: This is a GMRS Handheld Radio (Upgrade of UV-5R), access to NOAA Weather Receiver & Scan Radio, it is also GMRS Repeater Capable, Rechargeable Long Range Two Way Radio with USB-C Charger and GMRS Antenna.
Emergency Weather Radio Link: This has a 8000mAh battery. DaringSnail Emergency Crank Radio with 3-Mode Flashlight, it is also Solar Charging, has a hand Crank, and Battery Operated and SOS Alarm for Emergencies, Camping, Storm warnings.
**For Bug-Out-Bag info got to my link: Essential Items for a Bug-Out Bag
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