Disaster Response and Preparedness

( Click here for ELCA Disaster Response )
 

Do you have a plan?
All congregations within the Synod are asked to have a disaster plan in effect (especially those along the coast).  Here are two excellent resources: 
          Preparing for Disaster - A Guide for Lutheran Congregations 
          Hurricane Preparation-Crisis Management

Disaster preparedness links for you: 
     Lutheran Disaster Response   http://www.ldr.org
     American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org
     Federal Emergency Management Agency http://www.fema.gov
     Salvation Army  http://www.salvationarmy.org

Also, utilizing the "Congregational Evacuation response Form" (via e-mail from Synod office) can be used to assist church offices in both preparatory and follow-up situations to check on the welfare of congregation members and any special needs. Disasters come in many forms other than hurricanes: floods, ice storms (where power can oftentimes be off for weeks), tornados, train derailments, chemical fires and leaks, earthquakes (a real possibility in certain SC locations), terrorism, and localized disasters; i.e., a fire in the church building. 

Have a plan and know your limitations. 
The goal of crisis response is to return services and lives to the level of functionality they had before the disaster. Watch for updates on current disaster situations and recovery needs at this site.