Nebraska Ice Storm Recovery

January 16, 2007
Please continue to remember the pastors, congregations, and communities that have been impacted by the New Year’s ice storms. The storm caused damage in 57 counties in Nebraska , but the most severely affected appear to be those living in or near Phelps County in south central Nebraska . Communities there are functioning by means of temporary power generators. More than 3,000 households have not yet had power restored. Schools in Holdrege reopened for the first time following the storm on Monday, but many businesses have not reopened for the simple fact it costs more to run their generator than any profit they could generate. Due to the recent ice storms in Oklahoma and Missouri, power crews from those states who were assisting in the disaster recovery here, have returned to respond to their local needs, possibly further slowing the recovery process in Nebraska.

Individual needs currently are primarily financial, assisting those who can’t afford the cost of fuel, have lost wages, or lost appliances due to difficulties related to operating on generator power. The financial needs are being met primarily through the Phelps County Community Foundation (308 995-6847) and the Rural Response Hotline (800 464-0258). Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR), a collaborative ministry of the Lutheran Church---Missouri Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, has released $10,000 to assist families in need. These funds will be administered through the Rural Response Hotline. Additional contributions to assist those in need may be made to LCMS World Relief or to Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (a LDR affiliate).

When the weather is warmer and the more pressing financial issues have been met, there will also be a need for volunteers to assist with the removal of downed tree limbs.

January 4, 2007
The recent ice storms in central and western Nebraska are said to have caused more damage than any storm since 1976. Thirty-three counties have been affected, with 500 to 600 miles of power lines destroyed. Approximately 13,000 households have been without electricity, and the electrical outages are having a major impact on livestock and feedlots. Because of the extent of the damage, it may be from three weeks to a month before all electrical services are restored. From 15 to 18 shelters have been opened in various locations---most of them used primarily for serving food and for a warm place to go. Here are ways to help:

If you have a generator to sell, loan, or give, call 800 422-6692 (the information is also listed at www.agr.ne.gov).
If you can help with the cost of fuel for those depending on generators, check with the county emergency manager closest to you. You can find a list of contact information at http://www.extension.unl.edu/About_Us/County_Offices.
If you have hay to donate, call 308 762-3005.
Churches may be able to offer their refrigerators or freezers for those who need to store food.
Check on the elderly, shut-ins, and those with medical conditions. Find out also if they have debris cleanup needs with which they may need assistance.