Disaster Response

Wednesday afternoon's windstorm was another opportunity to practice theneighborhood damage assessment process. 

I was reminded of this when KF7NWA checked in by text to see if we had been affected by the storm. I was in Logan at the time, not aware of conditions in the northern portion of the County. From this conversation I learned that law enforcement was active in the area, and there were utility problems reportedin Trenton and Amalga. 

Since then I’ve heard of barns destroyed, damage to fences as well as the usualtree damage accompanying such windstorms.

The remainder of our discussion will center on the Stake and Ward Emergency Planning Guide, from the section titled Disaster Response:

After an event occurs, establish a procedure for reporting information gathered during a disaster. Reports on members should generally be gathered by ministering brothers and sisters then relayed in the following order:

• The elders quorum and Relief Society leaders

• The bishop

• The stake president

• The Area Seventy

• The Area Presidency, the director for temporal affairs, and the welfare and self-reliance manager

If your emergency plan calls for block captains these individuals will fit in the reporting line of authority at an appropriate level.

Actions to take during the assessment process:

• Determine and report the condition of members and missionaries.

• Help to locate and reunite family members who have become separated.

• Obtain medical care for those who have been injured or who have other health challenges.

• Coordinate response efforts with civil authorities and community relief organizations.

• Assess needs and arrange for the supply of basic provisions and services—such as food, temporary shelter, sanitation, and clothing—for members and others.

• Determine and report the condition of Church buildings and property.

Post-disaster aid:

• Aid members who have suffered damage to homes or belongings, emotional trauma, or loss of livelihood.

• Work with civil authorities and relief organizations to identify and respond to opportunities for the Church to assist with community needs.

While we do not want to operate outside of the direction of the faith based leadership, I hope we recognize opportunities such as this windstorm to be in contact with the ward emergency manager and appropriately respond during such an event.