Having learned from previous years, the following guidelines are provided in advance of any hurricane weather so that everyone might know how we plan to react to this situation.

• First and foremost, at no time should anyone feel compelled to come to church, whether they are a part of a volunteer group or just attending services.
• We plan to follow the advice of the local authorities.  If church services are scheduled during the timeframe the authorities advise people to stay home, we will follow their lead.
• Because our phone system requires electricity to leave messages, we will use the church emergency number (264-6228) as our emergency information line.  The phone line is backed up by the phone company and will continue to work unless all telephone service is interrupted.
• If worship is cancelled, all other services such as Sunday School and nursery are cancelled.  However, there may be times when we will cancel Sunday School and/or nursery, but not worship services.  Those decisions will be on the message left on the emergency phone line (264-6228).
• We plan to have ice and food available through the FLC kitchen as much as possible if it is required.  That information will also be on the emergency phone line if it is available.  This assumes that we can get Connie and volunteers to FLC and that FLC is in safe condition.
• If you would like to volunteer your services to fix campus buildings or other people’s houses which have been damaged, please call and ask to be put on the disaster relief list which will be provided to Scotty Scott (James Boys).
• As much as we can, we will provide current information on our web site at www.opumc.net.  We will also try to have links to other web sites that provide general information about how to provide for your family.
• We understand that some people find it comforting to get to church services during these trying times and are willing to do so.  However, we also recognize that large amounts of rain and the fact that strong winds and many BIG trees in the vicinity of the church campus can cause a very messy situation and must also be kept in mind when deciding to venture out on Sunday.
• Other situations that may cause cancellation of services even if no hurricane force winds are imminent include the high probability of tornadoes and high winds.  Again, high winds and tornadoes can make short work of large trees and buildings.
• Should a hurricane hit Florida or any other place that UMCOR covers, we will let you know what assistance UMCOR is looking for, whether hurricane kits or financial support.
• Please remember that if we have to cancel Sunday services, we still have bills to pay.  To make our budget requirements, we need approximately $28,500 per Sunday.  Therefore, if we have to cancel a Sunday service, please remember that when you come the next time.  The fact of the matter is, we may have unexpected bills due to damage to our campus.
• So, in the event of damaging weather:

1.      Take care of your family,

2.      Take care of your neighbors,

3.      Call the church emergency number 264-6228 for information, and

4.      Pray for the community.

Ways to Help:

American Red Cross - Florida Northeast Chapter  http://www.nefloridaredcross.org