I am in Tanner, Alabama, where our Mercy Chefs "Storehouse" is located in preparation for what we expect will be a major deployment in response to Hurricane Ian, which has already developed into a Category 3 storm.
+ + "Devastating to Catastrophic"
The National Weather Service is now warning that the impact of Hurricane Ian in Florida could be "devastating to catastrophic" with wind gusts to 130mph, impassable roads, widespread power outages, and...
"Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete roof and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Damage greatly accentuated by large airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks or months."
Because of our work in response to numerous hurricanes and other disasters in Florida, state officials have asked Mercy Chefs to feed all the search and rescue teams from their base of operations. We have already deployed team members and equipment.
Other team members are arriving today here in Tanner and we will begin moving two additional mobile kitchens along with support vehicles in the direction of the expected landfall zone near Tampa.
+ + All Hands On Deck!
This is truly an "all hands on deck" situation. Mercy Chefs has been preparing for months (even years) to be able to respond to a storm of this destructive power. Our "Storehouse" warehouse is making it possible for our team to be in the perfect position to respond.
Now, I need your help!
As with every disaster response, much of the cost is incurred before we serve the first meal! That means your gift today has an enormous impact as we get our staff and equipment in place and arrange our supply lines for food.
I will have more updates for you on Hurricane Ian and our preparations soon. Thank you so much for your prayers and your partnership.
God bless,
Gary
NWS bulletin
Image credit: NOAA
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