Disaster Preparedness Planning
According to Resolution #3, passed by Annual Council in January 2008, it is the policy of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia that the diocesan staff, all parishes, missions, and diocesan institutions have current disaster preparedness plans.
The Diocesan Staff is organized as a disaster response team and is prepared to coordinate the response to crises and disasters that may affect parishes and communities in this diocese. If disaster strikes in your area, be sure to contact Evans House, the diocesan office (800-346-7982), so that relief and recovery operations can be started as soon as possible.
Episcopal Relief and Development, which provides funds and other support to dioceses in disasters, has provided guidance in the form of checklists for emergency preparedness planning for dioceses and parishes. The Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Congregations is available here as a PDF file.
In addition, a booklet providing detailed guidance for parishes to update their preparedness plans has been mailed to all of our parishes with a message from Bishop Powell. Additional copies are available from Evans House.
Bill Lindsay, blindsay@dioswva.org , is Program Coordinator for Disaster Preparedness and is available to assist parish preparedness planners at any time.
Links
Episcopal Relief and Development (Nick Moga, nickmoga@aol.com is the diocesan representative)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster - Virginia chapter
Diocesan Disaster Plan rates Honorable Mention By: B LindsayIn September 2007, Episcopal Relief and Development announced a competition to select the best diocesan disaster plans. The top three diocesan plans would receive cash awards with funds to be used for disaster preparedness. Our diocesan and parish guidance plans were submitted for their review in March 2008. read more | |
