Local churches can be instrumental in preparing for disaster in their communities. However, there are certain guidelines that will make the process much easier.
- Prepare a Disaster Plan. We can help by sending you a model. Just send an email to bonniemallott@mac.com and we'll reply with one or more models attached.
- Collect and store donations that can immediately be used locally in case of disaster. The most helpful types of items to store are:
- Blankets
- Generic Hygiene Kits
- Baby Hygiene Kits (See below for contents of these kits.)
- Identify the church(es) that are Red Cross-designated shelters in your area. If there isn't one, talk to your local American Red Cross Chapter to determine whether your church is a good candidate. Click on the attachment, Red Cross Shelter Survey, below to view the information your church would be asked to provide. (As you can see from the survey, this must be done prior to disaster. Trying to establish a new shelter after disaster occurs can actually complicate the situation for responders.)
- If you are not a designated shelter, "adopt a shelter". That is, develop a written agreement with an approved shelter church so that your church can provide volunteers and meals in the event of a local disaster.
These are ways that your church can be an asset to your community in case of disaster. They do take advance preparation. One of the biggest hurdles when disaster hits is transportation. By preparing locally, you are ahead of the need, and can start to respond immediately.
Generic Hygiene Kits
- One hand towel
- Disposable washcloths
- One comb or brush
- One bar of soap (bath size in wrapper)
- One toothbrush (in original packaging)
- One tube of toothpaste (4-7 ounces)
- Six Band-Aids
- Razor with shaving cream
- Shampoo/conditioner (sample size)
- Bottle of lotion
Baby Kits
- Diapers
- Two shirts
- Disposable washcloths
- Two gowns or sleepers
- One sweater or sweatshirt
- Two receiving blankets (one can be a knitted blanket)
- Baby wipes
- Baby soap/shampoo
- Baby lotion
- Baby powder
