Church Disaster Plan, Part 1

If you watched the news this week, you have seen the disaters that have stolen the headlines. From the wild fires in Colorado, to the flooding in Florida caused by Tropical Storm Debby, to the mild earthquakes that shook Cleburne and Corsicana, TX., nature has demonstrated what it can do.

In the last two blogs we discussed how to prepare your family for disaster. Today I want to ask “If disaster strikes, will your church be ready?”

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,  for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings  until the disaster has passed.     Psalm 57:1

There are nine parts to a Congregational disaster Plan. Today we are going to talk about the first three.

• Your Congregation Needs to Appoint or Elect a Disaster Coordinator.
  Appoint or elect a member of the congregation to serve as your Disaster Coordinator. Have him become familiar with local emergency management leadership and be aware of interfaith organizations that would help in disaster.
• Have Contigency Plans for Worship

1. If your pastor becomes a victim of a disaster have plans for who can lead any service.
2. If you have a school plan for the posibility of incapacitated teachers.
3. Resume worship services as soon as possible.

• If facilities are damaged and can not be used, have an alternative plan for church funtions. Scout out possible alternative sites such as a school or another church where worship could be held and get an ideal of what they would cost to rent.
• Special services or prayer vigils can help members cope with Disaster.
• Know how to communicate any changes in location or time of worship servicesnecessitated by a disaster.

• Check On Your Members
  Have a plan in place to check on all members that might have been effected by the storm. Find out who was effected and what kind of help they might need. Work with your church body and other entities to help get affected members the help they need.

These are important steps to putting together a disaster plan for your church we will look at additional steps in the next post.

Know a Good Roofer

As I walked out my front door this morning, I could not help but notice that the yards in my neighborhood are dotted with roofers signs. Insurance adjusters will be climbing on roofs in the area for weeks to come.It is good to know that most of those affected by the storms last week were prepared to protect their homes by having insurance. Yes that deductible smarts in the wallet a little, but It is far better than the other option.

We all take steps to make sure our house is insured, but do we put the same efforts into making sure are family is ready. Last week in this blog, I published a simple family disaster plan. It is important for the members of our families to know what to do if a disaster strikes. Does your Family know what to do if the emergency sirens go off. What room is the safest place to go when weather turns dangerous. Were does your family meet if they can not get to your house.

These are just a few of the questions everyone in your family should be able to answer. Being prepared won't stop a disaster, but it may save many hours of searching for family after a storm. If you have not already done it, I hope you will take some time and discuss a plan with your family.

God doesn't promise to keep disaster away, but he does promise us an eternal solution to all our problems "For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." 2 Corinthians 5:1

Yesterday's Storm

As I was sitting in the back of our church in south Arlington yesterday, I heard the warning sirens going of outside. I quietly exited the sanctuary and looked outside. Sure enough, due east of the church was a wall cloud that had definite rotation, and it appeared to be heading in our direction. We abruptly ended the worship and moved everyone out of the statuary.  The wall cloud dissipated quickly, but it was just one part of a storm system that Dumped large hail on a path from Grand Prairie and other cities throughout the Metroplex. I am sure insurance agencies are being overwhelmed today with calls about houses and cares that were pummelled by hail some of which was as large as baseballs. It's at times like these that I find comfort in the words of Psalm 9: 9-10. "The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD , have never forsaken those who seek you. "

Hail in my Yard 1 hour after the Storm

In the aftermath of the storm I am wandering how many families were prepared for a disaster. Due you have a Family Disaster Plan? You should have one.  It is simple to create a plan and it can pay off if a disaster impacts your family. Below are exerts from an article I wrote for The Men's Network on how to put a family Disaster Plan.

Developing a Family Disaster Plan
1. Gathering Information
Find out what types of disasters occur in your area. Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans. This information can be gathered from the National Weather Service, the Office of Emergency Management and non-profit organizations like the American Red Cross and Salvation Army.
2. Create a Plan with Your Family
Discuss the information you’ve collected. Pick two places to meet: 1) a place outside your home for an emergency like a fire, and 2) a place outside your neighbourhood, in case you cannot return home. Pick a friend or relative living outside your area as your “family check-in contact person,” in the event your family gets separated. Discuss plans for your family, if you must evacuate the area. Gather emergency numbers. Include numbers for the poison control center, law enforcement, the fire department and your church. Find out where to turn off your utilities. Know how to cover windows and air vents to seal a room. Know how to safely exit your home.
Caution: Remaining in a sealed room for a prolonged period of time may cause asphyxiation.

Putting Together a Family Disaster Kit
When disaster strikes, there is usually little time to assemble the items you need. This is why you should put together a family disaster kit. Items you may need in your disaster kit will vary in different areas; however, you will want to include  items like the following:
1.) A three-day supply of nonperishable food and water (one gallon per day per person)
2.) A change of clothing and footwear per person
3.) One blanket or sleeping bag per person
4.) A first-aid kit, including prescription medicines in original containers
5.) Emergency tools
6.) A battery-powered radio with extra batteries
7.) A flashlight with extra batteries
8.) An extra set of car keys
9.) A credit card or cash
10.) Special items needed for infants, the elderly or disabled members of your family
11.) A roll of duct tape
12.) Plastic sheeting
13.) Sanitation supplies
14.) Rubber gloves