Pre-Disaster Recovery Checklist
1. Conduct a church assessment.
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Assess what skills and trades exist in the church that could help with recovery.
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Evaluate the church facility and parking lot to determine if it is a good site for a point of distribution (POD), emergency shelter, or a location that offers public services, such as a warming station or a cellphone charging station.
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Look for ways to be involved during the disaster that align with the mission, vision, and capacity of your church. Refer to FEMA’s “Sequence of Delivery” for how the church fits into the recovery process for unmet needs.
2. Get to know local and state emergency management and disaster partners.
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Learn the emergency plans for debris removal and volunteer management.
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Get involved in local and state Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).
3. Check the church’s insurance coverage.
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Host congregational insurance informational sessions, especially for flood insurance.
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Create a plan for mitigation and preparation against damage to the church property and assets.
4. Create protocols for accepting physical and financial donations.
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Decide whether your location will accept certain donations and what the plan will be for their appropriate management and stewardship.
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Clearly communicate to the public whether you’ll be servicing the need, connecting to local partners, or making referrals.
5. Attend or host disaster training sessions. |