 |
|
|
Pandemic and/or Natural Disaster Preparedness |
|
| ||||
|
[Back]
Easy steps to help your congregation prepare for a pandemic or natural disaster
• Educate the members of the congregation about preparedness through programs and demonstrations so that they know how to prepare their homes and what food, first aid items and medication they need to keep on hand. • Collect emergency health and contact information on members, keeping this information in a secure, yet accessible place (if on computer, backed up to a second location). • Identify members who will be most at-risk in a disaster - single parents with very small children, those who live alone, are older and frail, have on-going medical needs like dialysis, oxygen, IV medication or mobility limitations. • Gather contact information for all members and construct a telephone tree that can be used to reach members in case of a disaster. • Recruit and train a team of compassion care responders who will be available to check o the "at-risk" members during an ongoing emergency (like a pandemic) or after a community disaster. • Synchronize your congregational preparedness plan with your public health department, disaster and emergency services and other congregations and be certain it addresses: o Natural disasters for which your community is at risk o Church facility use as a shelter, who will shelter there and how supplies will be stored and maintained o Protection of vital records from fire, wind and water • Explore the theological dilemma: personal safety or service to others during times of community trauma or disasters.
Helpful websites:
Disaster Preparedness Guide in a very friendly and attractive format - http://www.ldr.org/resources/PrepDisaster.pdf
To Much, Too Ugly, Too Fast helps faith communities respond to the emotional needs as a result of a disaster and crisis. Especially helpful for pastors and other caregivers - http://www.ldr.org/resources/TooMuchTooUglyTooFast.pdf
Emergency Contact Form to be completed by or for at-risk individuals in a community to assist them in responding prompt assistance in the event of a community disaster - http://www.pcusa.org/nationalhealth/downloads/pandemiccontacts.pdf
Current information regarding proper health practices and disease prevention - www.cdc.gov |
|
How to Reach Us | Email Us | Table of Contents | Search | Map to Synod Office | FAQ Send
mail to our
web
steward
with questions or comments about this web site. |
