Preparing For (The Next) Disasters: Your Role In Recovery
We are not yet done, so don’t look away. The flood waters have not yet fully receded. There are entire communities that are waiting for disaster assessment. Cleanup and demolition teams are still arriving. There is an ongoing need for respite and emotional/spiritual support, skilled and need-to-be-taught volunteers. Daily coordination meetings continue among all of the responding agencies.
The Wisconsin Council of Churches, along with many other organizations, has been participating in VOAD meetings as part of the emergency response to the August 9/10 flooding event. VOAD stands for Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. The goal is cooperation, communication, coordination, and collaboration so that together we effectively provide relief. We’re glad to share that multiple denominational partners have disaster coordinators contributing to this effort. Thank you to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, UMCOR, and Wisconsin Conference UCC representatives for your support!
Those of you living in areas of the state previously affected by flooding and other natural disasters know how critical this kind of support is, and how coordination is vital in both response and recovery. Whether or not your area is prone to flooding, you are likely at risk of some kind of natural or human-made disaster. We invite you to consider: how is your church ready to be part of the response? How are you prepared to care for your neighbors, nearby and further away?
You can help in future recovery efforts by:
Creating a congregational emergency plan, keeping it updated, and reviewing it regularly. Think beyond emergencies that take place on your property, and consider your response to situations that happen in the community.
Having members of your congregation trained in Mental Health First Aid, Know Your Rights, and/or trauma response.
Getting to know your local emergency management contacts (this might be a great ecumenical meeting to plan together).
Asking your Wisconsin congregation to fill out the WCC Ministry Information Form.
Participating in your denomination’s (or Church World Service) cleanup kit projects.
