Church fires: Damage, recovery, prevention

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During 2012 and early 2013, fire destroyed or damaged more than a dozen United Methodist church properties across the United States. Arson was the cause of at least five fires. The insured property value ranged from $10,000 to $3.3 million, but several churches lacked adequate insurance to cover full replacement costs. This special news series reported on the damage from those fires, the response to the affected congregations and what churches can do to protect themselves.

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UMNEWS-SUBSCRIPTION
Disaster Relief
Cedar Key United Methodist Church, located near where Idalia made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, is experiencing flooding for the first time in its history because of the record storm surge. Members are scrambling to remove carpeting and linoleum to allow the floor to dry out properly. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Robin Jocelyn.

United Methodists begin Idalia recovery

After the monster storm roared onto land, United Methodists in the U.S. Southeast were assessing the damage and responding to immediate needs. Church members from neighboring states also were quick to offer a helping hand.
Disaster Relief
United Methodist pastors and disaster management team leaders evaluate a rainwater-harvesting tank that was installed a month earlier in the Novele community in the Davao Area of the Philippines. The United Methodist Church distributed the drums to more than 30 households and three community centers in the region. Pictured (from left to right) are the Rev. Marlyn N. Nabatilan, an unnamed neighbor, recipient Janeth Erandio, the Rev. Jerson Sanggo and team leaders Eddie Danglapen, Fe Tomas and Maurice Bigaran. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Dan Reuben L. Sison.

Water project improves lives in the Philippines

Davao Area Disaster Management Office disaster management team distributes drums to harvest rainwater to more than 30 families and three community centers in neighborhoods that don’t have a reliable source for clean water.
Disaster Relief
Judy Cramer’s family home, before and after the devastating wildfires in Lahaina, on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Cramer lives now on Oahu, in the community of Kaneohe, where she attends Parker United Methodist Church. But she grew up in Lahaina and she and her brother were visiting in the family home when the Aug. 8 fires forced them to evacuate. Photos courtesy of Judy Cramer.

United Methodist connection at work for Maui

Churches, conferences are giving generously in relief of the Hawaiian island devastated by wildfires.

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