God took care of us
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In My Humble Opinion
Jodi McDade
Boy, we dodged a bullet last weekend! Coosa County had a target on our back with a 5 of 5 rating of possible devastating damage expected.
Thankfully, with only a few areas, we were spared what we saw happening in other areas of our state. But also, we saw neighbors helping neighbors in the areas that did sustain damage. I think the worst I heard about was the damage at the Culver’s property in the Weogufka area, and at least their home was spared.
As I write this, I have not seen any actual reports on the flooding in Coosa County, but I have seen pictures from the Sylacauga area. Again, it could have been SO much worse. God took care of us.
Many of us were recalling the tornadoes we had in the south end of the county two years ago and the other tornadoes that have hit all over the county in the last several years. People are still cleaning up and rebuilding in the area of County roads 14 and 18 that still looks like a war zone, and there are still blue tarps on houses all over the county. God took care of us.
I was happy to hear that Coosa County departments, agencies, representatives of the towns, and managers involved with disaster issues had a mass meeting last Friday to prepare for the anticipated weather. They were able to work together to stage equipment in different areas, plan for possible needs and determine responsibilities each would prepare for. They were operating with the information that was available at that time about the forecast for heavy winds, rains and possible tornadoes, in addition to looking at what the short-term and long-term issues might be with no power or ways to communicate. Safe places were set up in several areas around the county for people who needed to evacuate their homes.
While this meeting was going on volunteers with Manna Ministries in Rockford were busy unloading a large delivery from the Heart of Alabama Food Bank in preparation of their monthly Food Drop scheduled for this past Monday. After getting the report from the county meeting, Rockford Baptist Church shifted priorities to preparing to feed people who might sustain damages, loss of power, or have other needs. They also prepared to feed disaster relief volunteers that would be working.
The kitchen at RBC is the only commercial size kitchen in the area and is able to manage mass feedings and deliveries. On Saturday morning, food supplies were moved from the Manna Ministries building into the church so they would be readily available when needed, and it was also decided to cancel the Food Drop on Monday since they could not both feed people and handle a food drop at the same time.
Thankfully, all the planning and preparations can now be classified as a trial run. But I think it was well needed to insure we are always prepared for any type of disasters. We can’t just take it for granted that everyone is ready to work with each other without duplicating efforts or neglecting some issues.
I would suggest an annual meeting of the minds to be ready at all times. Hopefully the Coosa County Commission, all departments/agencies and towns will think it is a good idea so we are always prepared.
Again, God saved us. This should be seen as a wake-up call for all of us. I know I will now have all my emergency items in one box in one place so I can find them at the drop of a hat! I’m adjusting things in my house so my safe place is ready at all times. We are still in tornado season, and the hurricane season will be here soon. Don’t wait until the last minute when it might be too late. And, remember – prayers are much needed in times like that!
It was so good to wake up Sunday morning and see the sun shining down – and no trees on my house! We had also canceled Sunday morning services at Rockford Baptist, but the decision was made we REALLY needed to get together to praise God for bringing us through these storms. AND, Manna Ministries announced the Food Drop on Monday WOULD be done! The volunteers jumped in and pulled it off by providing food to about 70 families.
We live in a great county with people who help people. Next week I’ll share more information on Manna Ministries and the services we can provide for our neighbors. Until then, please continue to check on your family members and neighbors regularly just like you would want them to check on you!
God bless you all!
