With the onset of warmer weather, coupled with severe drought conditions across much of California, preparations are being made for yet another severe wildfire season. In the immediate aftermath of a wildfire that involves property destruction, the governing County will open a Local Assistance Center (LAC) for folks who have been hit with property damage and loss.
To aid fire survivors, various government agencies will be represented to provide guidance and assistance with what can be an overwhelming myriad of bureaucracy. Also, faith-based non-governmental organizations and other NGO’s will be invited to participate to provide additional needed support. In that capacity, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), through the California-Pacific Conference Disaster Response Task Force, is often invited to be present.
Survivors are interviewed to ascertain what kind of future help UMCOR/UMVIM (United Methodist Volunteers in Mission) might be able to provide when it comes time for rebuilding, and the Cal-Pac Disaster Response Task Force is looking to hand them a Fire Bucket full of needed supplies to get started in the clean up process. The team is hoping this to be the first positive step forward for many who have lost everything and hardly know where to begin.
Local churches are invited to take on this “Fire Bucket Ministry” by assembling the five-gallon buckets that will be stored at supply hubs around the Conference. They can then be deployed on short notice wherever needed.
Needed materials:
- five-gallon buckets with lid
- used buckets accepted if free from all residual product
- Small items will go inside the bucket.
- 2 Tyvek coveralls—XL or XXL (can be taped up for smaller bodies)
- 5 N95 dust masks (or similar if not available)
- 2 work gloves
- 8 nitrile gloves to wear under work gloves
- 1 pack of at least 28 disinfecting wipes or multi-purpose cleaning wipes
- 1 box cutter
- 1 roll of duct tape
- 2 soot sponges (advertised to use for cleaning fire places)
- 6 heavy-duty construction trash bags (33-45 gallon)
- 1 hand hoe
- 1 hand trowel
To go along with the bucket, a square-nosed shovel and a rake can be very helpful. Also, sifters made by UMVIMs are very useful.
For a flyer listing the bucket content details and a contact person, click here.
For questions, please contact Judy Lewis, Cal-Pac Disaster Response Coordinator, at DFJKLewis@aol.com or 909.731.8248.
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