Hurricane Season is Coming

Just in case you have any concerns, I'd like to share a few notes about hurricane season and/or other disasters within the LABRM. Every mission throughout the world is required to prepare an emergency action plan. Here in Louisiana the most likely events are hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, severe weather, apartment fires and prolonged power outages that could impact our missionaries. Each companionship is asked to do certain tasks at specific times which include arrival at a new residence, each fast Sunday and during October General Conference weekend, so that they will be prepared for an emergency. Personally, experiencing a hurricane is NOT on my bucket list. We've been through enough earthquakes to last us a lifetime. But "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear" will help us weather the storms--pun intended!

I've just been reading our action plan, which Elder Steele has been updating, and will share a few things that it covers:

Missionary Residence Safety Items: carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, 72-hour emergency kit and water supply 

General Procedures which refer to common sense practices such as being alert to weather conditions, always having a half tank of gas in your car, keeping cell phone charged, having phone, keys, personal ID, etc. readily available if you need to evacuate quickly, having emergency numbers, etc. 

Know the weather terms:

Advisory:  Less serious condition than warnings; causes significant inconvenience and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life or property.

Watch: Conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorm, tornado, or flash flood. This is the time to be “weather aware.”

Warning: Severe thunderstorm, tornado, or flash flood has been sighted or indicated by radar. People in the path of the storm should take immediate lifesaving actions.

Know what to do before, during and/or after a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, flooding, ice storm, lightening storms, fire and prolonged power outage.

Also addressed are evacuations, shelters, transportation and communications.

Rest assured that the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have a watchful eye on the Lord's missionaries. They "have promised physical protection if missionaries observe and deep the guidelines and standards for missionary work, including emergency preparedness actions."

Now for the craziest picture I've taken in LA. I know this looks like some kind of a freaky monster about to invade the mission office. Maybe it's a walking stick. I don't know. I need to hear from our grandson, the budding entomologist. It's actually about 7" long and I'm to the left of the 3 elders who are looking at this thing. It's on the front office window, but you can't tell from the picture. It's just a quick shot with my IPhone but should probably get some kind of photography award.