Disaster Preparedness

Disciples of Christ care about the safety and security of all who visit our church campuses, camps and off-site events.  We prepare in advance to:

• Learn about community emergencies before or as they develop

  • Use NOAA weather radios in sanctuaries, nurseries and fellowship halls

  • Participate in local community emergency alert services (texts/calls/emails)

  • Watch for (and post) notices on the Mid-America (Disciples of Christ Disaster Response Facebook Page)
     

• Know the location of exits, hazards, and shelters on the church campus

  • Participate in the free, on-line Red Cross Ready Rating program

  • Use free planning resources from the Missouri SEMA website
     

• Develop emergency plans with help from local fire and police

  • Appoint and register a congregational Disaster Readiness Coordinator

  • Invite local fire and law enforcement personnel to assist in identifying likely emergencies and ways to prepare and respond locally

  • Rehearse and evaluate emergency plans at least twice a year  
     

• Build relations with emergency service providers

  • Local Emergency Planning Committee (every county has one and meetings are public)

  • Participate in September National Preparedness Month activities

  • Offer to host:

    • Point of distribution site (POD) for donated goods, emergency medicines, etc.

    • Emergency Red Cross Shelter

    • Visiting emergency responder family meeting center

    • Local community Free Wi-Fi and Cell phone charging station

    • Local Multi-Agency Resource Center
       

• Have plans to continue vital church operations

  • Know where to gather if not on the church campus

  • Keep the congregation informed when power and phone lines are down
     

• Respond to immediate needs during and following disasters

  • When unsure about how to get or refer for non-urgent help call 2-1-1

  • Work with the local/county Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD)

  • Check the Missouri Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (MOVOAD) website and the Mid-America (Disciples of Christ Disaster Response Facebook Page for updates about how best to respond to emergencies in another part of the region

    • Ordinarily it is better to STAY, PRAY, PAY (send donations of money to Week of Compassion, Church World Service and Red Cross – which have on-line donation options)
       

• Support coordinated recovery efforts nearby and far away

  • Local Long Term Recovery Committees are formed within 72 hours of an emergency

    • LTRC’s coordinate donation management, volunteer placement and  recovery work schedules

    • NEVER just show up uninvited to an emergency outside the local area
       

  • Disciples Volunteering coordinates work trips to disaster recovery sites