10 MISTAKES MADE IN

DISASTER PLANNING AND

RESPONSE

Herma Percy, Ph.DAssociate ProfessorHomeland Security Program DirectorWashington Adventist University Takoma Park, Maryland

DEVELOPMENT PHASE

MISTAKE # 1: LIMITED VALUE RECOGNITION

DEVELOPMENT PHASE

MISTAKE # 2: UNDER-UTILIZED IN PREPAREDNESSMore focus on disaster recovery than

preparedness

MISTAKE #3: LACK OF TRAINING

Provide training and skill-building assistance to improve the ability of churches to serve as emergency responders and recovery agents

DEVELOPMENT PHASE

MISTAKE # 4: RESPONSE TO PSYCHOSOICAL IMPACTPrepare FBOs to address behavioral

problems

ENGAGEMENT PHASE

MISTAKE #5: TOP-DOWN APPROACHEngage local churches, rather than

primarily focusing on large major denominations

ENGAGEMENT PHASE MISTAKE #6: EFFORTS TO ENGAGE

VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

ENGAGEMENT PHASE

MISTAKE # 7: SIMULATIONS

SUSTAINABILITY PHASE

MISTAKE # 8: RESOURCES TO FBOsStrengthen the capacity of churches to

serve

SUSTAINABILITY PHASE

MISTAKE # 9: SEAT AT THE TABLE

SUSTAINABILITY PHASE

MISTAKE # 10 : UNTAPPED RESOURCEUtilizing faith-based leaders as Agents of

Safety

10 SOLUTIONSDevelopment Recognize value Focus more on preparedness rather than just recovery Provide training and promote certifications in communities Prepare FBOs to address psychosocial impact

Engagement Engage local churches rather than just major denominations Engage vulnerable populations Conduct simulations with FBOs

Sustainability Provide resources for FBOs to provide services Seat at the table at all stages Utilize pastors as public safety agents