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Disaster Response Ministries

by Rev. Newell and Jane Curtis

This is our last report as Disaster Ministries Coordinators for the Connecticut Conference. We have been doing this work for seven years – ever since our denomination decided it was and is an important national ministry. Our first training was held at FEMA headquarters at Mt. Weather, Virginia, in October 2000 and we have had additional training almost every year since with other Disaster Ministry coordinators from the UCC Conferences.

The focus of Disaster Ministries is two-fold. First and foremost is to assist local congregations to be prepared in the event of a disaster in their own community. The hardest part of this work has been convincing the lay leaders and the pastors that planning and preparation for a disaster that may not happen is important. The experiences of Florida’s four hurricanes in 2004 and Katrina and Rita in 2005 should teach us that when a disaster strikes, it is too late to plan!

Is your church prepared? That is the paramount question for local congregations. Here are a few essential things to ask:

• What are the potential disasters that could happen in your community, i.e. floods, fire, hurricane, ice or wind storms?
• Is there an up-to-date list of people in your church who would need assistance to evacuate their homes, need transportation to a shelter, or who might have difficulty understanding English?
• Does the local fire department have a floor plan of your church with the rooms marked where children are located during specific days/times of the week? Have you had a fire drill during Sunday morning worship?
• Are the vital church records protected from fire and water damage? Could your church serve as a shelter?
• Do you know who the Emergency Management Officer is in your community? Do you know what the evacuation routes are in the event of a major disaster?

The second focus is to assist people who have suffered from a disaster in other parts of the country. Our primary emphasis since the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005 has been to encourage volunteers to go to Florida, New Orleans and Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi to assist in rebuilding homes and lives. All those who have given their time, energy and compassion report that they have received more than they have given. It is truly living out the Gospel command to care for our brothers and sisters.

We have enjoyed working with individuals, boards and local congregations as we continued to learn important disaster preparedness and response information. We are confident that Anne Kirkpatrick and Jo-Ann Hornyak, our new Conference Disaster Response Coordinators, will continue this ministry with fresh ideas, energy and commitment. They have worked on the Gulf Coast, have experienced a flood in their own community, and recognize the need for local preparation. They are committed to sharing with all our churches the importance of planning in the event of a disaster.