RESPONSE RELIEF & RECOVERY -- Revs. Fred Buchanan & Bill Quarles

Part I RESPONSE

During and following a disaster, Pastor DRC (Disaster Response Coordinator) Leaders of your congregation…. …..will follow the church’s plan as closely as possible, understanding that every situation is unique.

At the time of disaster Pastor and church members should address safety and personal needs of themselves of their families before checking on the church building & area damage.

Each church plan will be as unique as each disaster. Remember: Each church plan will be as unique as each disaster. People’s safety will always need to be first.

We need to follow up on the special needs members of our congregation. Elderly Physically Handicapped Mentally Challenged

You might : Use phone tree Text message Email Or whatever works, which may include physically going to a location

After the people are cared for, then: Trustees will assess damage to church property then report it to: DRC, (Disaster Response Coordinator) Pastor District Office Insurance company

Facilities Are the buildings safe for use? The pastor may need to locate and announce an alternative location for worship.

Conditions permitting We will continue to find ways to worship We need to build hope in ourselves and community Call on God to help and inspire us in our time of need

Local Community Disaster Plan Follow local community disaster plan

Once conditions allow: Conduct a community canvass Evaluate extent of damage Help with needs of people Decide how to best help Possibly an easy help Possibly helping rescue someone Calling for ambulance, fire department

Report findings to: Local Disaster Relief organizers such as: UMVIM (United Methodist Volunteers In Missions) Local authorities Local organizations Other church groups and organizations Report finding to the district office

Think about your church’s response to: Tornado Disaster Chemical spill / Train or Truck Earth quake Major ice storm Fire – structural or wild fire

What would your church do if it happened: During worship times? Any other time?

Part II RELIEF

The time after the initial RESPONSE begins RELIEF This is when the work groups come and help make buildings safe. SUCH AS:

Removing debris

Tarping houses

Making things safe for recovery

IF POSSIBLE: The pastor will maintain the church's regular worship schedule following a disaster It could mean, using an alternative location.

It could be important to: Hold one or more special worship services to address the spiritual needs of the congregation, Hold more special worship services for the community and those taking part in disaster relief.

Key Workers As we help our community to return to normal, The pastor is expected to take regular breaks from pastoral responsibilities in order to ensure his/her own physical, mental and spiritual health. All key workers need the same breaks and are expected to take time off.

If facility use is requested by: American Red Cross UMVIM Other Community / Church Agency Government Relief Agency Then….

The pastor, DRC and/or Board of Trustees chairperson will determine the appropriate response and establish understandings which will guide the use of our facilities. And submit the plan to the district superintendent for approval.

When Church building is safe: Determine how to best use the building to minister to the community Plan the possibilities in advance of a disaster

Some Churches have facilities for: Feeding workers Showers Sleeping Storage warehouse Give out ice Restroom access Other helpful things you may discover Staging area, etc

As relief assistance is provided to our church and community, the pastor and DRC (Disaster Response Coordinator) will maintain communications with the district office.

If the assistance of an UMVIM ERT team is needed, the pastor will communicate this need to the appropriate conference officials. UMVIM (United Methodist Volunteers In Missions) ERT (Emergency Response Team)

UMVIM United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Emergency Response Team (ERT) Trained In: Removing debris Tarping houses Making things safe for recovery