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Prepare to be Aware. Emergency Preparedness Basics for Faith Base Communities. What is a Disaster Ready Church!. A Church that is prepare in the event of a disaster, connected with resources and potential disaster response partners, and respond when disaster strikes.
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Prepare to beAware Emergency Preparedness Basics for Faith Base Communities
What is a Disaster Ready Church! A Church that is prepare in the event of a disaster, connected with resources and potential disaster response partners, and respond when disaster strikes.
Awareness is the cornerstoneof Actions? CHECKLIST of Emergencies that could pose a threat to your congregation
Types of Emergencies Fires Severe Weather Hazardous Materials Transportation Accidents Earthquakes Hurricanes Tornadoes Power Outages Terrorism/Hostile Actions
Are You At Risk? Geographical location of your church • Proximity to flood plain • Dams, water ways • Proximity to companies that produce or store hazardous materials • Proximity to major transportation route and airports • Proximity to Nuclear Power Plants
Technological Hazards Can Occur • Telecommunication Failure • Computer System Failure • Power Failure • Heating, Cooling System Failure • Water System Failure
Keeping That In Mind Your next step is to…
Form an Emergency Planning Committee or Preparedness Team • Trustees’ Ministry Representative • Usher’s Ministry Representative • Finance Committee Representative • Safety and Security Representative • Health and Medical Services Representative • Cooperative Outreach Ministry Representative • Others Interested In Preparedness
Your Committee or PlanningTeam will determine… • Who besides the Pastor, is responsible for securing doors, windows, and shutting off the gas, water, electricity, gathering important documents etc.? • Where are inventories and insurance records/papers? • Is your insurance adequate?
Who will assess the damage after the crisis? • Where will the congregation meet in the event of damage to the sanctuary? • Who will help evacuate people: elderly, disable people, who will check on members who live alone, etc? • How will you help take care of yourself and family? • What and where are the emergency telephone numbers you will need?
FUNCTIONS of committee or team • Develop and maintain the emergency plan • Tap into the preparedness information pipeline • Meet regularly to discuss pending and upcoming issues of concern • Weather • Flu Season • Activities/events .
“Information Pipeline” • Red Cross training, most are free • Provide emergency preparedness education workshops with invited subject matter experts: special needs, etc. • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training, FREE • Start a CERT in your congregation • Connect with VOAD
In Summary • Make a PLAN • Develop an Emergency Kit • Church • Home • Work • Car • Stay Informed • Get Involved!
In Summary • Have you consider using your facility as an emergency shelter?
It’s Not Question of IF… But A Question of WHEN…
In Summary • Lastly – Have you consider using your facility as an emergency shelter?
Anthony McLean Coordinator Emergency Management 201 East Franklin Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 anthony.mclean@richmondgov.com 804-646-2504