As a Atlanta Category 3 hurricane approaches the Georgia coastline, the GEMA state operations center ramps up from 12 to a 24-hr per day operation.  At the same time, the Conference Disaster Response ministry sends out the first "Bulletin" and takes his/her place in the state operations center.  

Evacuation orders go out and Interstate 20 is converted to west bound traffic on both sides by closing the onramp gates on one side.  Gasoline tankers are dispatched to key locations for refueling vehicles approaching empty to avoid stalling the westbound traffic and helicopters and cameras monitor the flow for problems.  

Red Cross is asked to open evacuation shelters along the I-20 corridor, key Methodist churches are notified and activate their shelter, shelter feeding, and disaster teams.  While the early response or disaster teams are setting up cots and unloading food, the shelter teams began to receive the displaced families, sign them in, and help them with snacks, drinks and selecting their cots.  The shelter feeding team organizes the church kitchen, look over the types of food received, and starts the first meal.....      

The above illustrates that there are many ways that we can serve those around us.  In the past, we may have envisioned disaster response as a couple of guys from one church who throw their chain saws or tool belt, tent, and some food into a pickup truck and head out to a disaster.  

But no more, Hurricane Katrina started changing that and the change is continuing.   For situations such as hurricanes, floods, or winter storms, our job starts before the disaster, continues through the disaster, and well afterward through recovery.  For other situations such as earthquakes or tornados, the work starts after the disaster and continues through recovery.  And still other situations such a lost child or Alzheimer's patient, there is an immediate, urgent need to have trained people to respond, particularly in rural areas.  

It is no always the same types of teams as some will reach the time of their role, fulfill it, and disband.  The teams that we have, or are building, are listed above.  You will find more information on each team by selecting the menu item to the left.