CEN ALERT: Risk of U.S. Power Grid Failure

A State of Emergency Issued as Blackouts and Rolling Power Outages Risk Power Grid Failure

As the winter storm surges across the U.S. an Emergency Declaration has been issued to activate FEMA to respond to Texas and other states like Louisiana, Kentucky, and Mississippi. At the same time other central and western states are advised to expect rolling blackouts. 

Four million homes have experienced blackouts across the central and southern states extending into Mexico. The power grid servicing several states from Oklahoma to North Dakota were also advised to issue the rolling outages to protect the system and avert a grid failure. 

More than 225,000 homes were without power in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana and elsewhere. “We anticipate we will need to continue these controlled outages for the rest of today and perhaps all day tomorrow,” Dan Woodfin, a senior director for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which managed the state’s power grid, said during a briefing Monday. “Every grid operator and every electric company is fighting to restore power right now,” said Bill Magness, head of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which runs the state’s grid. 

PRAY:

1. ReadyChristians, equipped spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically with their own backup plan and resources will share the Hope of Christ with those who are imperiled by the winter storm surge across the U.S. and Mexico. 

2. Christian first responders, many of whom are already fiscally stretched and personally exhausted from responding to the pandemic, the increase in church arson, burglaries, with bomb threats across their states, and ministering to those with profound economic loss to again have His strength to bring the Hope of Christ to those displaced and in peril from the winter storm. 

3. God will give those who have not heeded His call to be ready according to His promptings (Proverbs 28:13) that they will admit their mistake, and move forward today in preparation as a ReadyChristian to help others in need. I Peter 3:15

CARE:

1. Help others to use Disposable Items during Outages

2. Let those in crisis know how to safely Keep Warm during Power Outages 

3. Remind family and friends how to safety store Emergency Water Supplies

SHARE:

Share with other believers how you and your family are standing as a ReadyChristian sharing the Hope of Christ in the midst of this crisis helping others in need. Send CEN a quick email to SHARE your story: John.Phelps@christianemergencynetwork.net

CEN ACTIVE Threat News

 

The CEN Threat Information News Service (CEN TINS) is a Weekly ACTIVE Threat Assessment to strengthen the resiliency and biblical response of Christians worldwide. 

For: CEN Sensitive Threat/Risk Information 

INTERNATIONAL

Chinese Christian Persecution - Situational Summary 

EU Seeks to Prevent “Loosely Defined” Religious Radicalization 

French Anti Terror laws to thwart radical Islam could affect Churches 

UN Inspectors find fresh radioactive traces in Iran. All concerned! 

Jerusalem Christians Condemn attack on Church 

Mexican Drug Cartels use Tik Tok to recruit youth. Remain vigilant

North Korean Developments in Nuclear Weapons. All concerned! 

NATIONAL

Will Christian voices be restricted on Twitter?  

Army Chaplain under investigation for comments 

Senators killed measure to combat violent extremism in military

Pastors urged to denounce extremism or risk complicity

Same principle, could it be applied to Target Churches? 

White Protestant Labeled Extremists Marched on Washington

         

STATE  

AR: Fayetteville Church Fire

CA: Supreme Court overturns ban on indoor worship in California 

KY: Damaged Vehicles at Church Spikes

LA: Bayou Blue Church Burglary

MD: Church Burglary Suspect faces Federal Charges

MN: Families Challenge Religious School Choice in Supreme Court 

MN: Man Charged with Breaking into Church internet 

MO: Car break ins during Sunday Services

MO: Five Arrested in Church Burglaries

MO: Vandals Spray Painted Graffiti

MS: Arrested on String of Church Burglaries

MS: More Burglaries in MS

NC: Extensive North Raleigh Church Fire Damage

NY: White Protestants equated with KKK

NY: Fire Destroys Church 

OH: Cleveland Church Fire under Investigation

PA: Graffiti on Church Steps

TX: Church Shooting Leaves Two Injured, Hunt For Suspect

“If at any time I (God) announces that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned.” Jeremiah 18:7-8

AWARE - READY - THERE

AWARE of these uncertain times and how to bring Hope by praying, caring and 

sharing Christ effectively? Sign up for CEN Blog #Notifications# and help others by Forwarding CEN Blog Hyper-LINKS. 

READY for such a time as this? Join the Network 

THERE sharing the Good News? Encourage others on how you, your Church and Christian Community are “battle ready” sharing Christ in these uncertain times: John.Phelps@christianemergencynetwork.net 

Helpful Resources:

House of Worship Website

Protect Your Privacy

Preventing Targeted Violence Against Faith Communities

Responding to Civil Unrest Guide

Homeland Threat Assessment (HTA)

Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment Tool 

Active Shooter Preparedness  

Active Shooter: What You Can Do Online Course 

If You See Something, Say Something®  

Employee Vigilance Through the Power of Hello  

Securing Soft Targets and Crowded Places 

Hometown Security 

School Safety and Security 

Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships

Insider Threat Guide

Ten Reasons why Churches are Soft Targets

Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide and Fact Sheet

Security Guide

Security Fact Sheet

Protecting Your Church from Vandalism 

BLOGS: 

Notifications: Sign up on the upper right corner of a CEN Blog to be notified as 

CEN News, Advisories, Alerts, FAQS, TINS, Briefings, or Prayers are posted. 

Comments: Take a moment to leave comments, Scripture verses or other helpful information

for the Christian community at the end of CEN Blogs.

Distribution: CEN TINS may be widely distributed by forwarding the html link to a friend and inviting them to sign up for FREE CEN Blogs. Do not Forward the Blog or you may be unsubscribed from the CEN opt in mailing list.

BRIEFINGS: 

CEN provides Incident-specific Briefings for CEN Members with a CEN.net email address

to alert and equip Christians in being “battle ready” to respond together. 

CEN.net Members ONLY

CLASSIFICATION INFO CODES: 

CEN uses Traffic Light Protocol: (TLP) to designate the sensitivity and distribution level of the content provided. 

WHITE/GREEN - CEN Blog -  *DISTRIBUTE WIDELY*

AMBER/RED - CEN.net Members ONLY DO NOT DISTRIBUTE

“Be ready to give an answer for the Hope of Christ within you.” I Peter 3:15

Keep your CEN TINS Coming! 

DONATE to CEN’s All Volunteer Ministry

CEN Advisory: COVID Economic "Reality Check"

 

CEN Founder and President Mary Marr sat down with CEN National Finance Officer, former President of the fourth largest import export company in the U.S., for a perspective on questions being raised by network partners concerning the state of our domestic economy given the COVID pandemic challenges. He shared some key facts and open source news reports as helpful evidence. 

Unemployment

The Federal Reserve documented 152 million Americans were working before the pandemic. Currently only 142 million  are working now, according to Federal Reserve Bank statistics.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an official unemployment rate of 6.3%, while other sources such as Axios report the true unemployment rate is closer to 26%.

 Small Business

The Federal Reserve reported 9 million small businesses, or 30% of the 30 million in the United States are likely to fail without significant additional assistance. 88% of businesses report sales have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. Strikingly, 77% of black owned firms said their condition was fair or poor while 66% of Hispanic businesses said their condition was fair or poor. Small business accounts for 48% of total jobs in the United States. These statistics dramatically affect U.S. unemployment rates.

The Looming Eviction Crisis

CNN reports 10 million renters are behind on their rent and face eviction. Further, an estimated 16 million renters had little confidence they could pay the rent due this month. With federal moratoriums on evictions for non-rent payment; homeowners without work being severely squeezed because of mortgage payments; and when utilities and maintenance must still be maintained even if no rent is paid, what are those facing eviction to do? 

Other Statistics

 

Bloomberg reports 8 million more Americans are now living in poverty. 

Airport traffic  is still down 60% from pre-pandemic levels.  

Restaurants, the largest single employer in the United States, have seen a reduction of seated diners decline to 66% . 

Retail sales continue to increase for online stores, while continuing decreases are faced by brick-and-mortar establishments. Green Street Reports half of department stores and malls are likely to close by the end of 2021. 

Events are moving very rapidly as any business operator understands. When faced with uncertain times we need to follow the words of James, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5) 

 

ReadyChristian ACTIONS to prayerfully consider given the current situation:

• Be careful with your budget and spending, we never know when our job is at risk.

• Look for opportunities to share resources and demonstrate the love of Christ to those around you, as you are able.

• Patronize local businesses when you are able to assist them and surviving the current crunch

• Ask the Lord for guidance every day because we do not know the future.

• Share the Hope of Christ as this is your true eternal treasure laid up in heaven for you!

CEN FAQs: Learning from Pandemic Shortages

During the beginning of the Covid pandemic we were greeted with empty shelves which went far beyond the temporary lack of toilet paper. Many other products were in short supply either unavailable requiring substitutions or sold in limited quantities. Similarly, when a hurricane takes aim at a city shelves get emptied quickly. We can learn from these experiences and avoid feeling pressured when greeted with empty shelves in the future.

We should think through the items which were in short supply during the pandemic. For example, a family staying at home and not going out to eat, to the office or school is going to use 40% more to her toilet paper at the house. Panic buying is not always easy to predict. Rachelle King, an expert strategist said, “it only takes one empty shell for consumers to start panic buying. It doesn’t even have to be a shelf of a product they normally buy”.  Many families eat their meals outside their homes, so when these people are self-quarantined in their homes logically, they will be increasing grocery purchases substantially.

Emergencies and run-on grocery supplies are difficult to predict and the wise individual take steps in advance to provide backup food sources.

Only 48% of families  have even basic food supplies in the home. Building up an additional supply of pantry items is relatively easy. Some feel stockpiling items is hoarding, but we offer a different definition. Preparation is acquiring supplies when they are plentiful and lower cost while hoarding is grabbing more than your share when they are scarce and expensive.

Families would want to avoid wasting money so buying additional pantry items which you will use on a regular basis is an excellent step. We prefer to acquire additional items when they are on sale.

For example, Dried pasta  generally will have an effective shelf life one to two years past the “Best By” date. A good supply of hearty soups, including dried soup mixes, and other canned foods will provide a good cushion during an emergency. Keep in mind cleaning supplies may become in short supply either during a disaster for cleanup or during another pandemic. Careful accumulation will fill your pantry and cushion your family against feeling pressured during crunch.

Longer food storage options are available with freeze-dried and dehydrated foods.  Two companies offering long-term storage products are Mountain House,  and The Ready Store.  Check out different options. The advantage of these food products is you can purchase and store for 10 to 20 years and generally just add water and heat to prepare some meals.

Keep in mind your objective should be to prepare to reach out and assist others during a crisis, not just have enough put aside to assist hour family. King Solomon wrote, “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6-8) When we prepare not only for families but to assist others in a crisis tremendous ministry opportunity will follow.

Learn more about becoming a Ready Christian. 

CEN FAQs: Seniors Require Special Disaster Planning

Senior citizens are considerably more vulnerable for death during a major crisis. For example, 50% of deaths from Hurricane Katrina were over 75 years old, and a study demonstrated people over 85 were 4 times as likely to die in wildfires. Further, when a major heat wave struck Chicago adults over 65 years old made up nearly two-thirds  of deaths. 

Older citizens may have more difficulty in mitigating a disaster based on limited mobility, a feeling of isolation, and believing they don’t have the capacity to mitigate what may be happening.

Creating an emergency plan, using the ReadyChristian model is a good first step. Most seniors, as well as most Americans, do not have an emergency plan. The seniors among us are generally less adaptable to responding to an emergency than younger individuals. If you are responsible for caregiving of seniors in your family, make a plan in advance. For example, over half will require assistance in any type of evacuation. If special assistance or equipment is necessary, plan in advance what would be needed. Further, seniors who may have additional difficulty in evacuating should be strongly encouraged to depart sooner rather than later because they will have more difficulty mitigating traffic jams, and the general confusion of large-scale evacuations. Identify in advance whom they may be able to stay within the area, or hotel accommodations which may be necessary.

Each senior should have an emergency checklist, in advance, required for evacuation including the minimum of seven days of medication, medical history, over-the-counter items, clothing and important records. Under pressure the checklist will provide faster action with less confusion and help not leaving key items behind.

Make a list of special considerations for your senior family members in your planning. For example, if a family member is in a wheelchair, you’ll need to think through how to transport them and their equipment differently, some tend to get cold easier so extra blankets and warm coats are always important.

A tremendous ministry outreach opportunity is to identify any senior citizen neighbors whom you may be able to assist. One step may be to ensure your neighbor has contacted family members and has worked out an effective and manageable plan. If the family is located far away, you may want to contact them and make certain they understand the seriousness of the situation so they will support their older relative and take appropriate action.

You may want to offer transportation either to an emergency evacuation center or other location which will keep the individual safe. If a major hurricane is coming ashore and you’re going to weather the storm at home, invite them to come over as your guest so they’re not alone.

The Lord spoke and said, ““You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:32) and you can do your part in ministering to the elderly during crisis keeping in mind they are considerably more vulnerable than others.

Learn more about becoming a Ready Christian and learn how to prepare your family and minister in and through disasters, large and small.

CEN Advisory: Protecting Your Privacy

Most of us like to protect our privacy, not that we have anything to hide but our personal business should remain private. Aside from privacy, hackers and other nosy individuals may seek information which may be used against you to hack into your computer or personal accounts.  While not foolproof, there are several steps we can take to protect privacy and information.

First, make a point to change your passwords on a regular basis. If you’re like me I don’t remember my password all the time, so I’ve adapted using Scripture like John 3:16 or Joshua 1:8. If you need additional characters you can always add your preferred translation such as NIV at the end. Another option is to use a first word or two of a hymn like A Mighty Fortress is our God. We all know using the name of the child or pet +123 is a bad idea.

 A good tool to protect your smartphone is Signal, a free downloadable App. The service provides security between users, and you should encourage others in your group to participate because you need both sides of the communication covered by Signal. 

Additionally, all computers must have anti-virus protection to keep malware out of your computer, as hackers frequently use this as a door to your personal data and information. Keep in mind that your smart phone and iPads also need protection, and many services offer combination packages covering different types of devices.

Further, always turn off requests to share your location when asked. Otherwise, hackers may be able to track your exact whereabouts using your own device. Frequently on our home computers we see the pop-up asking us to share location, the answer should always be no.

Also, best to avoid unknown Wi-Fi networks. Assuming our device has its own Wi-Fi better to utilize that feature rather than clicking into a network which may or may not be safe. An exception may be networks which you know are safe like a hospital or coffee shop, but still best to use your own connections to avoid others from hacking your Personal data.

Don’t ignore the privacy settings on your computer. We may easily click through without paying much attention accepting limited privacy. Also, companies frequently alter their privacy settings and, in those situations, frequently the previous settings are not kept so you must update them, or you may inadvertently be opting into a lot more data sharing than you planned. Pay attention to the terms and conditions, which tend to change quickly, and make sure you’re comfortable with agreements. Hundreds of thousands of Robin Hood investors failed to understand that their trade-off of free trades was information that was sold to hedge funds.

Another safeguard is to understand hackers, once inside your computer, may get access to your device’s camera. If you don’t use your camera frequently a piece of duct tape or post it note will do the job of covering the camera. Simply remove when you want to participate in a conference. Do keep in mind however if somebody has slipped into your computer this will not protect you from being overheard.

Consider implementing one or more of these ideas to improve the security and confidentiality of your information and communications. Paul wrote, “And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you” (1 Thessalonians 4:11) As we mind our own affairs, we want to take steps to ensure others don’t invade our personal business.

 

Take the journey of learning how to become ready spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically for ministering in disasters large and small, check out Ready Christian.