The Diocese of Texas is preparing to respond to the expected emergency conditions that will be left in Hurricane Ike’s wake this weekend.
From their website:
“The Diocesan Office in Houston will close Thursday, September 11, at 12 noon to prepare for Hurricane Ike and to avoid traffic congestion for evacuees (as per our Mayor Bill White’s request). The office will reopen on Monday morning.
Bishop Don Wimberly and key staff members will meet Monday morning to assess damage and provide needed resources. As Monday is payday for many churches it may be important for those evacuating to remember to issue checks to employees, as well as, to review emergency preparedness plans.
A back-up email to report your location and situation immediately following the hurricane is cebarnwell@gmail.com. You may also send a text message to 713.703.6385. This will allow the staff a comprehensive assessment when they meet Monday.
If you have needs or donations you may contact Episcopal Relief and Development directly: e-mail Abigail Nelson, anelson@er-d.org or call 212.716.6139 or 646.387.0887 or Scarlet Harrington at 212.716.6302.
The diocesan Emergency Response Plan, a list of diocesan personnel contacts and a disaster response checklist can all be found here.
Prayers ascend from all of us for the people in this part of the country.