August 4, 2014
Contact: Doug Bolnick, Public Information Officer, 636.949.7408
When a crisis threatens or adversities occur, many in our community look to their faith for guidance. However, if congregations and their members provide support in times of emergency, it is imperative that they communicate their plans to those leading the response and coordinate efforts with others to most efficiently meet the needs of our friends and neighbors.
At the third, and final, Faith-Based Emergency Planning Workshop, church leaders will discover ways to assist the community before, during and after an event occurs and how to connect with other organizations providing this assistance. Presented on Friday, Sept. 12, 2014, at the Community Commons in St. Peters (427 Spencer Road, inside the Spencer Road library branch) the FREE workshop will cover:
• Assessing Aggressive Intruders and Other Incidents – what can we do to protect our members?
• Coordinating Command During Response – who is in charge, and why should we talk with others?
• How To Help Through COAD – what is the Community Organizations Active in Disaster coalition, and how can we join to help in our community?
• Evaluating Your Church’s Emergency Response Plan – church leaders can visit with Emergency Management officials and other response experts to build or perfect their organization’s disaster plan
Open to church/faith leaders, and health or security teams from all denominations, the Faith-Based Emergency Planning Workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A continental breakfast and lunch, as well as support material, will be provided.
Attendance at either of the previous two workshops is not mandatory. However, as space is limited, the planning committee asks that no more than four individuals per church register. To register for this free workshop, please visit http://bit.ly/1jbIHbW or call Doug Bolnick at (636) 949-7408 before Friday, Aug. 29, 2014.
Agencies presenting the Sept. 12, 2014, Faith-Based Emergency Planning Workshop include the American Red Cross, Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital/Progress West, Baue, the Community Council of St. Charles County, Community Organizations Active in Disaster, Crider Health Center, Lincoln County Government, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, St. Charles City-County Library District, St. Charles County Citizens Corps Council, St. Charles County Government, Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service, St. Peter Catholic Church, the Salvation Army, the United Way and Warren County Government.
The ability for the community to become better prepared for events that could threaten our well-being and to establish plans that respond once disasters occur will go far towards a strong recovery in the future. A preparedness plan that is consistent with the goals and objectives of the organization can aid in this recovery, as long as the plan offers clearly defined roles and responsibilities for the membership and that all management personnel and membership are familiar with the activities. The focus for this series of workshops has been to instruct individuals and organizations on best-practice guidelines to form a unique response plan that meets their needs and resources. For information on materials presented at the first two workshops, please visit www.scccoad.org or call (636) 949-7408.
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