3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness1 Church Disaster Preparation

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness2 Goal: To assist churches to prepare for disaster by developing a strategy to minister to their communities during crisis through preparing their facilities, training their members, securing supplies, and developing protocols that will activate their disaster response plans. Church Disaster Preparation

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness3 Church Disaster Preparation The Church’s Motivation Matthew 28: Matthew 25: Luke 10: 25-37

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness4 Church Disaster Preparation What disasters can happen in your community? What would people need if that disaster happened?

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness5 Church Disaster Preparation Churches should consider the needs of individuals and families. Plans should include specific ministries –“Remember, ministry is the act of serving.” Churches must plan for and train members to minister to those caught in crisis.

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness6 Church Disaster Preparation Churches and Disasters A church is in a unique position to respond to the needs of its community. A church can demonstrate the love of Christ to its community. A church can meet the needs of victims. A church’s facilities can be used to minister in many ways to its community.

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness7 Church Disaster Preparation Church facilities in the affected area can be used as: Bulk distribution center Food, supplies, clothing Child care center Communication center Information center Shelter for victims

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness8 Church Disaster Preparation Church facilities in the affected area can be used as: Shelter for volunteers Staging area Feeding site Command center

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness9 Church Disaster Preparation Church facilities outside the affected area can be used as: Gathering point Orientation center Shelter for volunteers Shelter for victims

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness10 Church Disaster Preparation Organizing for Disaster Response Local Church Preparation Work with others cooperatively Coordinate with Red Cross, Salvation Army, government, state conventions, and SBC

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness11 Church Disaster Preparation Organizing for Disaster Response Local Church Preparation Develop a crisis closet Be alert for opportunities to minister Identify and assign volunteers

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness12 Church Disaster Preparation Organizing for Disaster Response Local Church Preparation Elect a disaster relief committee Provide training for the committee Survey members for skills, talents and interest Make facilities available for DR

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness13 Secure church approval to coordinate with other disaster relief entities Make contact with government and ARC to coordinate before a disaster Be alert to crises for opportunities to minister Identify and assign volunteers according to talents Conduct damage assessment and notify associational and state DR leadership Church Disaster Preparation

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness14 Church Disaster Preparation Church Disaster Relief Leadership Church DR director Church DR resources coordinator Church DR volunteer coordinator

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness15 Church DR Leadership Church DR Director –Trained –Chair of the DR Committee –Assemble church DR response team –Schedule meetings, activities, training –Enlist other committee members –Serve on planning groups –Relate to state, association, ARC and others –Alert church to opportunities to minister –Prepare church disaster team to respond

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness16 Church Resource Coordinator –Trained –Conduct inventory of facilities, equipment, supplies and vehicles – Determine what to recommend for church approval for use –Enlist volunteers to assist with plans for use approved by the church Church DR Leadership

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness17 Church Volunteer Coordinator –Trained –Conduct skills survey of church members –Develop database of volunteers –Arrange for orientation and training of volunteers – Organize teams –Activate church phone chain when needed –Assign volunteer teams duties Church DR Leadership

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness18 Church Disaster Relief Team –Trained –Open the church as a shelter –Prepare vehicles for a response –Assist with evacuation –Check on elderly and others who may need help –Clear church parking lot –Assist families in keeping with church DR plan –Provide temporary child care or elder care Church DR Leadership

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness19 Church Disaster Preparation Church Opportunities and Action Mitigation Preparation Warning Rescue Evacuation

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness20 Church Disaster Preparation Church Preparation Pray Discuss with the pastor Complete church checklist Discuss with men’s ministry director or others Consider finances

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness21 Church Disaster Preparation Church Preparation (continued) Recommend leadership team Discuss with state convention and association DR leaders Make list of possible services Contact local Red Cross, Salvation Army and government agencies. Select service and recommend to church

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness22 Church Approval –Present pertinent facts –Develop a mission statement –Present proposal to church –Tell why ministry is needed Church Disaster Preparation

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness23 Cooperate with other agencies –Reach an agreement with associational & state leadership –Arrange for training –Reach agreement with other agencies that respond to disaster in your community –Secure permits, licenses or certification –Check insurance –Prepare to report to association, state DR leadership and other agencies you will be working with Church Disaster Preparation

3/2004NAMB Church Preparedness24 Church Disaster Preparation