Tornado

On Sunday May 25, 2008 at 6:00pm CDT an EF-5 Tornado, at times a mile and a half wide, touched down in Parkersburg, IA and continued on the ground devastating Parkersburg, New Hartford and parts of Dunkerton. The losses include 8 lives, 240 homes totally destroyed and 400 more homes damaged.  

Lutheran Disaster Response in partnership with Lutheran Services of Iowa is active in providing disaster relief. 

Reproducible Bulletin Insert (pdf)

Augsburg Fortress Disaster Response (pdf)

Photos by Pastor Mark Anderson

May 29 Bishop's Update: Parkersburg
On May 28, Pastor Mark Anderson, Pastor Mike Stadie (Iowa Coordinator for Lutheran Disaster Response) and I met with church and community leaders and disaster response teams from several denominations. We have been asked to communicate their deep appreciation for the outpouring of response by people throughout Iowa and the United States. Those who have been so profoundly affected by the disaster shared with us what is most helpful at this time.

I know that we all want to be responsive to their requests. They have asked that this e-mail serve as the means of communication with you and ask that you refrain from telephoning Parkersburg pastors and congregations.

Give generously in response to the disaster.  You may designate your gift to "2008 Tornadoes" at:
Lutheran Disaster Response
8765 West Higgins Road
Chicago IL  60631

On-line donations may be made at www.ldr.org.

If you choose to restrict your gift to Parkersburg only and not respond to the victims of tornadoes throughout the Midwest, you may designate your gift to “Disaster Response” and send to:
Lutheran Services in Iowa
PO Box 848
Waverly IA 50677

On-line donations may be made at www.lsiowa.org.

There are specific items that are needed: New undergarments, hygienic supplies, hand sanitizer, bug spray, blankets, bed sheets, and pillows can be brought to the Aplington Middle School. Plastic storage totes, paper plates and plastic silverware (individually wrapped) may be brought to the Red Cross station in the City Park in Aplington.

For very practical reasons, we are being asked to not provide gifts of food, clothing or gift cards to businesses outside of Parkersburg.

Information From Civil Authorities Concerning Volunteers
Volunteer to assist with the clean up. The town is now equipped to welcome volunteers. However, THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WORK. Disaster clean up is not a family activity for children. We do not want to add to the disaster with further injuries or fatalities. All volunteers must be aware of the potential danger that this work poses. If you are equipped to volunteer, please follow these guidelines:

1.  Volunteers must come as a group. Individuals who simply "stop in to help" will not be helpful.
2.  The United Methodist Church, 502 Florence St., will serve as the volunteer center. You will be asked to demonstrate that you have recently had a tetanus shot or will receive a tetanus shot at the center.
3.  Volunteers must provide their own equipment, food and water. Restroom facilities are extremely limited. There is no electricity or running water.

Mobilizing Volunteers To Go As Part Of A Hands On Service Project
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO GO TO THE AREA, you must call to let them know of your interest in helping. You will then be provided with information on where to go. If traveling specifically to the Parkersburg/New Hartford area, please call the Butler County Disaster Control Center at 319-267-9111. If traveling to one of the other affected areas you should call the Iowa Concern Hotline at 800-447-1985 (they will also take your calls bout the Parkersburg/New Hartford area). Because of the hazards in the area you will probably receive a tetanus shot from the Red Cross before you are allowed to participate. Heavy soled work boots and heavy leather gloves ARE A MUST.

Another big need that sometimes is overlooked is the farmers who need assistance in removing debris from their fields. If that is something that would be of interest to your chapter, you can make your interest known by once again calling the Iowa Concern Hotline at 800-447-1985.

     Two things that I just cannot emphasize enough is that:

• You absolutely MUST call in advance of any volunteers traveling to the area.

• There will be a long term need for volunteers. The area of destruction is a hot topic right now but that will subside. The need for volunteers will not. If you can't organize a group to go now, think about doing it in a few weeks, or a couple months. You might also consider a number of trips over a period of time.