Mobile Response to Moore Oklahoma

The recent tornados in Moore Oklahoma provided churches the opportunity to do what they do best-shine, and shine they did. Once a disaster declaration was made, all kinds of church groups and nongovernmental organizations began to mobilize. Local church groups served as donation centers, housed volunteers, and those that lost homes or their homes were not safe to occupy. Mid America Bible College (MACU) was not directly affected, however 22 staff and students lost homes or they sustained serious damage. MACU became one of the staging areas for emergency responders. They fed responders, housed those in need as well as volunteers. They worked with local churches that participated in a coordinated response. One of our team members had been working on a disaster plan, and actually framed in a business continuty plan for a District office that supports about fifty churches in Oregon and Southwest Washington. This project was under the supervision of the national representative in Anderson, Indiana. When the Moore toradoes hit only two districts accross the United States had completed a disaster plan out of 29. The Ohio district was the first to mobilize a disaster response team and trailer. The church has long been involved in raising funds to help those affected by disaster. After a devastating tornado season in Indiana and the surrounding States, the national office realized that every district should have a disaster plan. There are times and situations when local resources are quickly overwhelmed. In these instances outside aid is needed to help with immediate needs after a disaster, then with long term recovery which is the longest and most expensive phase.

Did you know that only 1% of the faith community participates in disaster response? Yet churches and nongovernmental organizations coordinate their response under the umbrella of voluntary organizations active in disaster. Currenly there were 110 participating groups. When disaster strikes they bring resources to the bargaining table and work well together. This small number of organizations are responsible for 60% of long term recovery in the United States.

Getting the T railer Ready to Go

Is your church disaster ready? If not, why not? Even if your group does not participate in an organized response, by being more prepared it means voluntary emergency service workers can respond to others faster.



Ohio District-First Mobile Response Unit