What Can Churches Do?
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.comand we'll reply with one or more models attached. You can also use the Parish Emergency Planning Guide, prepared by one of our VISTAs, Carolyn Gibbs.
Review the Southwestern Synod Disaster Preparedness Guide compiled by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You will find instructions on how your congregation can be instrumental in preparing for disasters.
Collect and store donations that can immediately be used locally in case of disaster. The most helpful types of items to store are:
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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 here for the 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.
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