Stake and Ward Emergency Preparedness

“Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them” (Ezekiel 38:7).

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Introduction

Stake and ward councils can use this guide to create or update emergency response plans. These plans should be brief and simple and are most effective when coordinated with community plans. Stake and ward leaders may consider calling welfare specialists to assist with emergency response efforts and emergency communication efforts. Councils should review and update plans regularly.

With the help of this guide, you should be able to create:

• A stake or ward emergency preparedness plan

• An analysis of needs and action steps

Step 1: Identify Likely Disasters

List the man-made and natural disasters that are most likely to occur in your area. For each type of disaster, identify specific response actions that would be needed. For example, in a disaster that can damage homes—such as an earthquake, fire, flood, or hurricane—a key action would be to find temporary shelter for displaced families.

Use the Disaster Review and Planning for Disruptions worksheets to complete this step.

Step 2: Gather Critical Information

Communication is essential in emergency response. Part of being able to communicate in an emergency is having the appropriate contact and resource information. Gathering and maintaining this information enhances needs assessment and response efforts. Compile the following critical information, and update it regularly:

• Contact information for all members and missionaries living within stake or ward boundaries

• A map of the area, including the locations of member and missionary residences and resource locations in the community

• A list of members with special needs, such as those with disabilities and the elderly

• A list of members with equipment or skills (such as medical or emergency response training) that would be critical in a disaster

• Contact information for public safety agencies (such as police, fire, or medical)

• Contact information for community organizations (such as the Red Cross or Red Crescent) that provide emergency services such as food, shelter, and medical care

• Contact information for area welfare leaders and local Church welfare operations, where available

Use the Critical Information and the Actions and Assignments worksheet to complete this step.

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Step 3: Outline Assignments and Procedures

Plan how the council will organize and carry out each of the emergency response tasks listed below, identifying who will be responsible for each task and what procedures they will follow. Designate a primary and a secondary location where council members will gather after an emergency to direct relief efforts.

Disaster preparation:

• Develop working relationships with civil authorities and other community relief organizations.

Disaster response:

• Establish a procedure for reporting gathered information during a disaster. Reports on members should generally be gathered by ministering brothers and sisters then relayed in the following order:

  • Ministering brothers and sisters

  • The elders quorum and Relief Society leaders

  • The bishop

  • The stake president

  • The Area Seventy

  • The Area Presidency, the director for temporal affairs, and the welfare and self-reliance manager

• Determine and report the condition of members and missionaries.

• Help to locate and reunite family members who have become separated.

• Obtain medical care for those who have been injured or who have other health challenges.

• Coordinate response efforts with civil authorities and community relief organizations.

• Assess needs and arrange for the supply of basic provisions and services—such as food, temporary shelter, sanitation, and clothing—for members and others.

• Determine and report the condition of Church buildings and property.

Post-disaster aid:

• Aid members who have suffered damage to homes or belongings, emotional trauma, or loss of livelihood.

• Work with civil authorities and relief organizations to identify and respond to opportunities for the Church to assist with community needs.

Use the Critical Information and Actions and Assignments worksheet to complete this step.

Step 4: Identify Emergency Communication Methods

A key part of disaster response is for Church leaders to follow emergency communication guidelines and have open lines of communication with Church headquarters, Church members, and community leaders.

Identify and plan for alternative communication methods that can be used in case phone lines, cell phone service, or vehicle transportation routes are disrupted during a disaster. Such methods may include:

• Internet communications (including email, social media, and instant messaging)

• Text messaging via cell phone (which may be available even if voice service is not)

• Amateur radio

• Personal contact via foot, bike, and other modes of transportation

As needed, priesthood leaders may call members of their units to be communication specialists. Qualified specialists often own communications equipment and possess valuable experience.

Refer to the Disaster Review and Planning for Disruptions worksheets to plan for communication disruptions. In addition, use the Critical Information—Equipment, Skills, and Communication Resources worksheet to determine how you will communicate in a disaster and what communication methods you will use.

Step 5: Encourage Member Preparation

The stake or ward emergency preparedness plan is complete only when members implement it. Review the plan with members and encourage them to become familiar with its direction.

Regularly encourage members to engage in preparedness efforts—such as creating their own family preparedness plans and participating in community preparedness events—and to follow the counsel outlined in Personal and Family Emergency Preparedness and their local area preparedness guide. Channels for communicating this encouragement might include:

• Elders quorum and Relief Society meetings

• Sacrament meeting or stake conference talks

• Messages from ministering brothers and sisters