Organizational /Congregational Preparation

The Plan

Things to Consider for Incorporation

•Immediate response procedures during Church activities.•Parish / Congregation Specific.•Outlines responsibilities, duties, schedules and procedures.•Periodic Insurance Reviews.

• (Liability, Fire, Storm, Flood, Earthquake rider)•External Support Agreements

•Evacuation / muster procedures.•Fire Extinguishers / Detectors location, training and scheduled checks & inspections.•Fire Department notification.•Post Physical Address•Cell Phone 911 Issues

Fire

Tornado• Acquire and set up alert radio with SAME.

• Designate the safest location(s) in the facility.

• Stock it . (First Aid Kit, tools, water, food.)

Medical Emergency (CPR / AED)

•Location of First Aid Kits and AED’s.•Coordination of training for key members.

•Ushers, Teachers, etc.•First Aid Kits, CPR / AED use.

•Schedule Periodic Inventory & Inspections

Hurricane / Tropical Storm Preparations

• Identify Personnel to Secure the Physical premises /facilities. •Remove and secure outdoor objects.•Evaluate trees that may damage facilities.•Ensure doors, windows and openings are waterproofed, closed and locked.•Ensure important non replaceable / sacred valuables and documents are secured.

Winter Storm Preparations• ID and Assign Personnel •Cancel Activities•Turn off / On utilities if required. •Generator /Propane•Check external plumbing •Assess Potential Damaging Trees (Limb Removal)• Snow /ice removal gear available.

Plan for Post Disaster• ID personnel to inspect and evaluate the

premises.• ID personnel / contractors to mitigate

immediate damage. • (ERT’s, Tarps, Debris Removal)

Parish Resource Assessment• Pastor, DRC & Trustees evaluate ability of the Church to assist

local Emergency Management, ARC and other external agencies post disaster.

Physical Facilities• Worship• Shelter• Food Preparation/Service• Coordination/Distribution Center

Volunteer Resources• UMVIM, UMCOR, Methodist Men/Women,

Proper training and certification completed.

Agreements • Concluded prior to disaster.• Approved by the District.• Reviewed and updated periodically

CommunicationsOrganize and Set up Communication Plan

• Call Tree (Use imagination for Comm methods.)– Text, Bikes, Watercraft

• Identify and recruit sponsors for special need parishioners. (Physically near)

• Identify and recruit uniquely talented members …– Medical, Tradespeople, LEO’s, Fire Fighters,

Language Interpreters, HAM / REACT Operators.

External Congregation Communications

• DRC & Pastor acts as POC to District & Civil Agencies.• POC’s at District & Civil Agencies identified and liaison

established and periodically maintained.

Questions???