Hurricane Charlie ran us out
of town this year. We were
vacationing when he came into town and we had to leave.
We would have liked to finish our vacation at Myrtle Beach but Charlie
had other plans.
Here are the hurricane names for 2004:
Alex, Bonnie, Charley, Danielle, Earl Frances, Gaston, Hermine, Ivan,
Jeanne, Karl, Lisa, Matthew, Nicole, Otto, Paula, Richard, Shary,
Tomas, Virginie, and Walter.
Here are some things everyone
can do to prepare for Hurricane Season 2004:
Develop
Family Disaster Plans and Keep a Disaster Supply Kit. Just as every
community should have a disaster plan, every family should have an emergency
supply kit and plan what to do in case of a storm. Pay particular attention to
relatives with special needs, small children and pets. Have a family
communications plan.
Make Your
Home Disaster Resistant. You can reduce the damage caused by hurricanes
by installing hurricane shutters on windows, putting straps and reinforced
bracing on roofs, reinforcing garage doors, raising electrical appliances and
outlets, installing sewage backflow valves and trimming back dead or weak tree
branches from around a home.
Purchase
Flood Insurance now. Policies generally have a 30-day activation period
before they take effect. Many homeowners do not realize that floods are not
covered in their standard homeowners insurance policies until it’s too late.
Flood insurance will cover losses even when the president does not declare a
disaster.
If the storm comes, you can
be ready. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website at www.fema.gov
and the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov
have information on hurricanes and what you can do to protect yourself and
your family. For information about flood insurance, visit the website
www.floodsmart.gov.
When a
storm brews
A battery-operated radio or television is one of the most important tools you
can have during any weather emergency. A weather radio that broadcasts
National Weather Service warnings and watches 24 hours a day can be
particularly useful. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
in the U.S. Department of Commerce provides the weather radio network as a
public service. Keep extra batteries handy for radios and flashlights.
During a Hurricane Watch –
issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24 to 36 hours
– check emergency supplies and bring in outdoor objects. Turn refrigerator
and freezer to coldest settings and collect drinking water in clean bathtubs,
bottles and cooking utensils.
If a Hurricane Watch becomes
a Hurricane Warning – when winds of 74 miles per hour or dangerously high
water and rough seas are expected in 24 hours or less – listen constantly to
radio or television for official instructions. Evacuate if necessary, or
shelter in place by staying inside, away from windows, skylights and glass
doors. Turn off or unplug appliances.
Scripture
Text:
Nahum 1:1 An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum The Elkoshite. 2 The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the
LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on his
foes and maintains his wrath against his enemies. 3 The LORD is slow to anger
and great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way
is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet. 4
He rebukes the sea and dries it up; he makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan
and Carmel wither and the blossoms of Lebanon fade. 5 The mountains quake
before him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the
world and all who live in it. 6 Who can withstand his indignation? Who can
endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are
shattered before him. 7 The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He
cares for those who trust in him, 8 but with an overwhelming flood he will
make an end of [Nineveh]; he will pursue his foes into darkness.
What is the nature of
Hurricanes?
Aren’t they wobblers? The
wobblers are coming into your life, your home, and your church will you be
ready? Prepare now for the
inevitable. You never know which
way they are going. They are devastating.
Hurricanes are inevitable. Did you hear the warning?
Hurricanes are more than storms. Sometimes
they are the tools of the creator to take His vengeance.
Vengeance is mine thus says the Lord.
He will get His.
Did you make preparations? Boarding up from the storm of sin. Keep the wind out of your house.
The glass blows out as the pressure outside drops and sucks out the
glass. Pick up the
loose stuff. Building with
Hurricane proof material and construction.
Wise man built on the rock. First
Aid kit are available. Food and
water supplies,
Did you evacuate?
Don’t fear the reaper? Hurricane
parities get swept away by the storm. Get
out of there and run to the Lord. He
is our only shelter. Where else
can you hide from 150 mph winds?
Are you trying to make it
on your own?
We are like people living in Mobile homes.
We aren’t going to be able to make it.
Do you fear the Lord? The Lord takes vengeance on his enemies.
His main enemies are sin, death, hell, the grave, and the devil.
He will take vengeance on all until they are all gone.
He died to set us free from the pain of sin and death.
He is good to all those who love Him and fear Him.
The devil says don’t worry, but God says to wake up.
Is God your Shelter in a
time of storm/life? He
cares for those who trust in Him. Why
doesn’t He care for all? He can
only take care of those who will allow Him.
Do you have your insurance
caught up?
He is our only insurance when the storms of life come.
He’s the master of the
sea. Even the winds and waves obey him. But do we? Will
we?