Prepared for storm, LDS help others
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Church members living on the East Coast of the United States were already prepared when they recently heard a hurricane of record size and strength was bearing down upon their area.
On Sept. 18, Hurricane Isabel hit the East Coast, after brewing for weeks at a rare category-five rating and packing winds of 161 mph. Upon landfall at the Outer Banks, N.C., she was still a major force at category two.
Weakening as she swept through Virginia and headed to Canada, the storm left in her wake massive destruction and nearly 6 million residents without power. No members or missionaries were injured during the storm, which caused an estimated $714 million in damage and 30 deaths.
In Virginia, 50 percent of the roads within the state had debris and were blocked. Stores, banks, gas stations, even doctors offices were closed. People who did not already have supplies before the storm, had a hard time getting them after.
Having followed counsel to be prepared, Church members went into action. Before Isabel was even close, the local leaders were planning ahead. Home teachers and visiting teachers called their families, assessing needs. As many members as possible were located and accounted for.
Richmond Virginia Chesterfield Stake President Frank E. Ramsey and Bill Brandeberry of the Colonial Heights Ward and head of stake emergency preparedness opened a command center in the stake building.
Local stake and mission leaders, along with numerous bishops and leaders from other areas, devised and enacted an evacuation plan.
Nearly 100 missionaries from the East Coast were housed at the Richmond Virginia Chesterfield Stake Center.
Members turned to their storage to survive. Power outages lasted an average of three days to several weeks. For nearly a week, stores, gas stations and banks were closed. ATMs lacked the needed electricity to operate.
President Hancock said he and his family had ample food and water storage. "I had the opportunity to share my storage with a shelter. The members were pretty well prepared."
President Ramsey carried a chainsaw in his vehicle. Also a doctor, President Ramsey was headed to "assist a member with downed trees. "On route we encountered a blocked road. A few men were attempting to clear the way. I got out my chainsaw and pitched in."
Darrell and Kathy Butler of the Belmont Ward, Cambridge Massachusetts Stake, assisted many in needs. Their generator looked like an octopus, having so many extension cords going to neighbors to give them some power. Missionaries had numerous service opportunities.
"[Isabel] has provided us with an opportunity to do something special for the people of Virginia," said Steve Thomas of the Virginia Richmond Mission Presidency.
Brother Brandeberry said the experience was also valuable in teaching them what didn't work. "We learned cell phones have a high failure rate. We had trouble communicating. Now we can plan better for next time. We've learned what is needed in our food storage."
