Resource Library

This exercise is designed to help a congregation plan for a disaster, from taking inventory of physical and human assets to determining its niche in assisting vulnerable people in the larger community.

The Preparedness Planning Guide for Congregations and Parishes is designed to help a congregation plan for a disaster, from taking inventory of physical and human assets to determining its niche in assisting vulnerable people in the larger community. This “Bronze Level” version gathers the most basic information needed in times of disaster.

Designed to help a congregation plan for a disaster, from taking inventory of physical and human assets to determining its niche in assisting vulnerable people in the larger community. This process is best done over several meetings, requiring about 10 to 15 hours to complete. To assist in the process, we’ve created a Facilitator’s Guide that a group leader can use to facilitate a planning team in

What experience do individual parishes in your diocese have with disaster response? This exercise invites people in your diocese who have responded to a disaster or crisis on the parish level to share their stories. Because most disaster response happens at a local, parish or congregational level, the experience invites the diocesan team to learn the local story.

Building the Diocesan Preparedness and Response Team is designed to help diocesan teams develop the systems required to engage congregations in the ministry of disaster preparedness and response. It can be used in the initial development of a team as well as in the orientation of new team members.

The Arkansas Disaster Relief Team was able to initiate a thoughtful and enduring tornado response because it was able to mobilize a large constituency of passionate supporters before and during the disaster. Learn ways to activate your network of enthusiastic contributors by building relationships, building interest and raising visibility.

This Facilitator’s Guide will help you lead the team through the process of filling out the sections of the comprehensive planning guide, and it will help prepare the team to be ready to use its plan in an emergency.

A simulation exercise that introduces church members to the various ways a disaster can impact a community and the role a congregation can play in helping people recover throughout, from the onset of a disaster to the development of a new normal.

Disasters of all kinds can create significant emotional trauma for children of middle-school age. But adults who practice a calming presence, listen attentively, and offer a sense of resilience and hope can help young people understand and more effectively manage their fears and uncertainties.

Young children (pre-K through 5th grade) can be particularly traumatized by the effects of a disaster. We can help them express and affirm their feelings of confusion, sadness, and anger while also reminding them how much they and all they love are still cared for by Jesus the Good Shepherd.

In a crisis, most adults experience not only their own emotional and spiritual needs, but also the trauma of others, from small children to older teens, and other adults. This guide helps churches assist everyone to cope with their feelings, build resilience, and find hope and a path to recovery.

Yvonne Cassidy offers insights for mobilizing a social media network after a disaster based on her experience with using Facebook and Twitter to meet community needs in New York City after Hurricane Sandy.

Deacon Elaine Clements’ piece of advice when disaster hits: nothing compares to “boots on the ground.” When something happens, you have to get out there and talk to people. Learn how based on her experience responding to Hurricane Katrina and a subsequent tornado.

Learn ways to create a map of congregation members home addresses using the custom map feature by Google. This is especially helpful during disasters when trying to pinpoint if any members live in impacted areas.