The global pandemic and hurricanes of 2020 followed by the ice storm of 2021 dramatically demonstrated how disasters can disrupt our lives. Although we cannot prevent the occurrence of future destructive events, making advance preparations can help minimize their impact to property and human lives and give us greater confidence and peace when we face difficulties. Take time now to read through these pages and take the recommended steps to be ready for the next hazard that may come our way. Let it be a time of prayerful preparation rather than an opportunity for fear and anxiety. And remember, whatever may come our way, we are all in this together.
Resources to help you prepare and respond to disaster.
Resources for congregations
Episcopal Relief and Development Resource Library
Episcopal Church Foundation Disaster Prep: Before, During, and After
Church Pension Group Risk Management Library
FEMA - Resources to Protect Your House of Worship
Disaster Preparedness Training for Clergy
resources for individuals and families
National Hurricane Center
FEMA and www.ready.gov/hurricanes
American Red Cross
Centers for Disease Control
Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guides
LSU Ag Center - Preparing for Disasters
ready.gov - Disasters and Emergencies
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes
Resilient Disaster Rebuild Techniques
resources for ACTIVE SHOOTER PREPAREDNESS
Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide
The Power of Hello Guide for Houses of Worship
Emergency Action Plan Guide
FBI Active Shooter Resources
Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment
Protecting Places of Worship: A Religious Observance Briefing on Safety and Security
Active Shooter: How to Respond
Download/print handbook materials by topic below, or click here to download the complete handbook.
Introduction
Bishop's Introduction
In Case of Emergency
Lifecycle of a Disaster
Emotional Lifecycle of a Disaster
planning guide
Comprehensive Planning Guide
resources
Helpful Contacts
Safety in an Emergency
Understanding the Claims Process
A Season of Resilience- Household Checklist
Disaster Advice for Clergy
Clergy Self-Care After a Disaster
Joy Owensby, Diocesan Staff Liaison for Disaster Response, Disaster Relief Coordinator
Office of Finance, Church Insurance Inquiries
Offices of the Episcopal Church in Western Louisiana
318-442-1304
P.O. Box 4330
Pineville, LA 71361