Disaster Response Team

 DO’S & DON’TS AFTER A DISASTER

The Disaster Response Task Force in conjunction with the Bishop has developed some initial instructions for congregations and individuals on how to go about volunteering after a disaster. The Bishop has urged restraint and patience after the recent hurricanes. Even with the best of intentions we do not want anyone from Iowa to be perceived as part of the problem rather than part of the solution. We face long term needs on the Gulf. The recent tornadoes in Iowa helped us also focus on responding to disasters within the diocese. We want to be a helpful and caring presence without interfering with emergency and local officials.

·    DO KEEP BISHOP SCARFE INFORMED BEFOREHAND

·    DO MAKE A SUPPORTIVE PRESENCE IF DISASTER IS IN IOWA

·    DO NEED TO BE INVITED

·    DO KNOW WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

·    DO BE AS SELF-SUFFICIENT AS POSSIBLE

·    DO REGISTER WITH THE BISHOP SUFFRAGAN FOR CHAPLAINCIES

·    DO GIVE MONEY THROUGH ERD

·    DO CHECK WITH AFFECTED DIOCESES DIRECTLY

·    DO CHECK WITH AFFECTED DIOCESES’ WEBSITES FOR NEEDS AT       

       WWW.ECUSA-CHAPLAIN.ORG/WSWY

·   DO NOT GO UNINVITED

·   DO NOT GO UNLESS TRAINING RECEIVED IN PASTORAL CRISIS

        INTERVENTION & PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN

·   DO NOT GO AS A REPRESENTATIVE. OF A CHURCH OR DIOCESE WITHOUT PERMISSION OF BISHOP SCARFE

Please direct questions to any member of the task force: Bob Joy, Peggy Harris, Karen Nichols or Mike Stewart.

Click here for a PDF file of the "Hurricane Response" Brochure developed by the Diocesan Disaster Response Team in October of 2005.