Disaster Response Program
Care Teams
Can you imagine what losing everything to a disaster would be like? What do you do to rebuild your life? Who do you contact for help? What about when the help runs out? What if you really need a source of hope? Do you know anyone to help you get through this time and “back to normal”? One answer to these questions is the Associated Ministries’ Care Team program.
Groups of two to five people who know each other and can work together on a service project for a six-month commitment comprise a Care Team. Teams partner with survivors following a disaster to walk with them through the recovery process. Team members offer emotional and spiritual support and connect survivors with resources.
Associated Ministries is ready to train more Care Teams and have them available for activation when something bad happens here. Talk with friends in your social or religious groups about forming a Team. For more information, contact Gill Bahnsen, gillb@associatedministries.org or 253-383-3056, ext. 129.
Emergency Preparedness for Congregations and Members
Personal Emergency Preparedness
The AM Disaster Response program will come to your congregation’s Sunday School, Church, evening meetings, etc. and present information to help individual members be better-prepared for disasters.
Organizational Emergency Preparedness Plan Development
Does your congregation have a current, practiced disaster response plan? If not, please contact me for information about the Emergency Planning Institute -- a three-session workshop that takes you through the process of developing (or revising) and practicing an emergency response plan. Applications must be received by September 11, 2009. Space is limited.
Washington Interfaith Disaster Recovery Organization
Operating as part of Associated Ministries, the Washington Interfaith Disaster Recovery Organization (WIDRO) is a network of faith-based groups committed to collaboratively maximizing the deployment of our respective resources when responding to Washington State disasters. More information is available on WIDRO's website.
What You Can Do Now
We hope the Care Teams program piques your interest, but we also urge you to please take responsibility for yourself and your family and do something today to prepare for a disaster before the inevitable occurs. Make sure you have a large supply of clean drinking water, non-perishable food, medical supplies (first aid, personal medications), etc. for every person and pet in your family. If you need more specific information, there are many websites to guide you.
Here are Several Good Ones:
• Pierce County Disaster Preparedness Video
• Washington State's Preparedness Web Site
• Three Days (minimum) Three Ways Web Site
• Learn About Coughing Safely (very entertaining video)
• Preparedness Information in Multiple Languages
• American Red Cross's Preparedness Page
• FEMA's Guide to Citizen Preparedness
• Guidance for Congregations to Help Those with Disabilities
The Swine Flu Season is Here
For the latest information, visit the Pierce County Emergency Management website.
A silver lining to the dark cloud of the swine flu virus is that steps you take to prevent spreading the ailment also apply to plain vanilla sorts of colds and flu.
The Centers for Disease Control created these checklists for you as an individual or family member. Please review them as appropriate for your situation.
Faith-Based Organizations Checklist
A Guide for Community and Faith-Based Organizations (PDF)
Practices I personally have found helpful for minimizing catching colds in the first place include: making sure I get adequate rest, cutting sugar consumption to a minimal amount, drinking plenty of water, and in the past few months I’ve added the regular use of hand sanitizer at work and home. When I end up catching a cold anyway, I cut out sugar entirely, make sure I drink extra water and get extra rest.
Get more information at this website: http://flu.gov/
Weather-related Information |
||
Winter Weather Means Taking PrecautionsThere are practical steps everyone can take to stay safe and warm during winter weather: *Keep cold weather clothing in your vehicle for road emergencies and extra blankets in your car and home for staying warm. *Fill your car's gas tank and keep it at least half full at all times to avoid running out of gas due to unexpected weather-related traffic conditions. *When going outside, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Wear a warm, woolen cap. *Wrap or insulate pipes and outdoor faucets to prevent them from freezing. *Assemble an emergency supply kit for your home, car and work or school, with water and non-perishable food, a flashlight and extra batteries, first aid and hygiene supplies. Don't forget about your pet's needs too. Pet owners should regularly check outdoor water bowls, because they may freeze and prevent pets from having drinkable water. Sheltering pets from wind and moisture is very important. Wind chill affects pets just like people. Very young and older pets are most susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. When the temperature drops, make sure pets can go to a warm space, out of the elements. Remember, never use a gas or charcoal grill, hibachi or portable propane heater to cook indoors or heat your home. These devices can cause carbon monoxide poisoning that can be fatal. Keep portable heaters away from furniture, draperies and other flammable materials to prevent a fire. If possible, check in on vulnerable family members or elderly relatives and friends to make sure they are warm and safe. Visit www.takewinterbystorm.org for an emergency preparedness checklist and other helpful information. |