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

3. Part I RESPONSE

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

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

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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. Local Community Disaster Plan
Follow local community disaster plan

13. 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

14. 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

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

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

17. Part II RELIEF

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

19. Removing debris

20. Tarping houses

21. Making things safe for recovery

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

23. 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.

24. 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.

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

26. 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.

27. 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

28. 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

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

30. 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)

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