Preparing for Disaster
Janet Thompson from Calvary Episcopal Church in Columbia and The Rev. Dr. Maria Evans, Interim Rector at Trinity Episcopal Church in Hannibal, serve as the Disaster Relief Coordinators for the Diocese of Missouri. They prepared this report just days before the devastating tornadoes that hit our area on Friday, Dec. 10, reminding us that we all need to be prepared for disasters.
Wind, rain and fire. This sounds like the title to a song, doesn’t it? It is. But it is also a partial list of things that could affect the ongoing operations of your church. Since we live in Missouri, add the possibility of earthquake, heavy snow, ice, hail, termites, sink holes. Your imagination can probably add even more nature- or human-engendered items to the list. The point is: we need to prepare since we will likely experience loss from one or more of these factors.
To that end, please consider as part of your planning process for 2022, where you are with respect to the following:
- Fire preparedness plan — Do you have one? If you have one, when was it last updated? If you have one, when was it last practiced?
- Active shooter plan — Do you have one? If you have one, when was it last updated? If you have one, when was it last practiced?
- Continuance of Operations plan — Do you have one? If you have one, when was it last updated?
- Insurance coverage — Have you consulted with your insurer about the kind of planning listed above and whether having such plans in place might result in a lower premium?
If you answered “No” to any of these questions, please consider reaching out to local Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, or Fire Department officials to ask for their assistance in beginning the process of implementing these kinds of plans. They will save lives and save other resources as well.
If you have any questions, please contact your Diocesan Disaster Relief Coordinators:
- The Rev. Dr. Maria Evans: [email protected]
- Janet Thompson: [email protected]
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