Disaster relief efforts in the Lexington, S.C., area have moved from crisis response to damage assessment, and Lexington Baptist Association is welcoming churches and individuals that want to assist flood victims.

David Lee, disaster relief coordinator for Lexington Baptist Association, said the transition signals that first responder (law enforcement, EMS, fire, 9-1-1 communication) agencies are back to normal operation.

“We are most thankful for LBA churches providing meals for the Lexington County Emergency Operations Center over the past several days,” said Lee.

Southern Baptist and Salvation Army feeding units are providing meals for flood victims in two shelters in Lexington County and will continue to provide meals for Richland County first responders, officials and emergency workers, Lee said.

On Wednesday, Lexington County assessors began evaluating property damage in Lexington County and provided homeowners with the telephone number of the Lexington Baptist Association as a resource for help.

Lee said Lexington Association has been receiving phone calls from churches and individuals wanting to volunteer in disaster relief efforts. He said the LBA office is prepared to receive three types of callers:

1. A homeowner with property damage. The telephone interview will begin the process for what will likely lead to a Southern Baptist Disaster Relief team making the necessary repairs to their damaged property.

2. Churches volunteering to help. Any church interested in helping with area recovery and rebuilding phases of the disaster relief efforts should call the Lexington Baptist Association at 803-356-2543 to begin the process.

3. Individuals who want to help. “We welcome individuals interested in offering help to the recovery and rebuilding phases,” said Lee. Individuals may call 803-356-2543. Further information is available at the association’s website, http://www.mylba.org.