Title: Lutherans Prepare for Floods ELCA NEWS SERVICE - NEWSBRIEF April 7, 1997 LUTHERANS PREPARE FOR FLOODS A Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) coalition in eastern North Dakota has developed two approaches to cope with possible flooding along the Red River and Sheyenne River and in the Devil's Lake area. The first is to provide information for congregational leaders and individuals about local and statewide response efforts being organized, to offer use of church facilities where feasible and to support volunteer efforts in vulnerable communities, according to the Rev. Leon A. Phillips Jr., LDR executive director. "Many communities are organizing sandbag details and are taking other preparatory and preventive measures," Phillips reported. In the event of serious flooding, the coalition's second approach will be to make plans to add Lutheran volunteer crews to the general cleanup effort, to identify drop-off and distribution points for emergency supplies and to communicate needs quickly to congregations and other agencies. The potential for flooding has increased with the thawing of record winter snowfalls in the area. LDR is a joint ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Participants in the coalition include Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, the ELCA North Dakota Synod and the LCMS North Dakota District. For information contact: Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds for aid to survivors of major disasters including the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, please include: Lutheran Disaster Response P.O. Box 71764 Chicago, IL 60694-1764 800-638-3522