Disaster Planning: First Things First

Have multiple copies of your business license, nonprofit certificate, payroll records, insurance policies etc.. For individuals keep vital documents such as pictures, birth, marriage, divorce or death certificates and passports, mortgage status, insurance policies, social security or green cards etc..off site securely. Back up electronic copies and keep additional copies in different secure locations. Rationale: During a technology failure, or scenario involving infrastructure damage there is no access to electronic data. If there is a structural fire, items may be destroyed. After a major earthquake some structures will sustain damage, and 50% of roads may be impassible. Back up copies in more than one location increases the odds of accessing a copy. In optimal conditions these items are time consuming to replace. If systems are down expect delays. Back up payroll records. Keep them secure. Have a work around plan to meet payroll. Rationale: Electronic processing systems will not function. ATM machines will only work if there is a backup generator. Lines will be long if any are operational. In a large scale disaster scenario, barter comes first, then cash. In the case of individuals make plans to ensure short term sustainability in the event of delayed payroll, inoperable electronic processing systems, mandatory or recommended evacuation. Do your vendors have a business continuity plan to prevent a disruption in supplies? If not, consider setting up a resource agreement with alternate vendors in the event your primary vendor doesn't come through. How long can your nonprofit continue to operate without supplies? Consider whether to keep a reserve of supplies that are critical to continued functioning. Also consider what alternate supplies you may need to satisfy your work around plans. For individuals, plan with trusted family, friends and neighbors and have items available for barter. What is you plan to pay vendors? Vendors cannot continue operating without cashflow. Rationale: Each failure to pay increases the the impact. If their business is inoperable, they can't pay their suppliers and their employees can't pay their bills which in turn affects other businesses. Above all 1. Have an clearly defined evacuation plan and meeting place. 2. Have a plan to ensure access to clean, life sustaining drinking water for 2-4 weeks in the valley and 3-6 months on the coast. 3. Have back up communication plans and practice often. Make sure your communication plan is compatible. 4. Keep some emergency supplies off-site, but nearby. If possible have supplies in a remote location also. Think strategically about emergency supplies: water, protection from the elements, then food. Safety should top the list. Consider unique needs such as diabetic supplies, life sustaining medications or an EPI pen. Don't forget pet supplies and plans. Rationale: Dividing supplies increases the likelihood of access. 5. Have a back up plan for power. Power may be off for up to two months in the valley following a major earthquake. 6. Have a plan for sanitation and gargage disposal for 3-6 months in the valley and 1-3 years on the coast. 7. Include others in your planning process. Cooperate before, during and after a disaster. 8. Have a plan to help those with special needs and train with community partners.

Blogger Malfunctioned. Don't Get Scared... Get Prepared

We have brought up the subject of work around plans to ensure business continuity. This blog is a great communication tool, however it is not mission critical for operation of our business. If it has been, we would have had to find ways around the disruption in services.

This is just a reminder. Don't get scared... Get prepared. Take one small step at a time. Soon you're church, nonprofit or business will be able to withstand a sudden change in conditions.

In a major earthquake scenario, structural damage is only part of the equation. Infrastructure damage affects use of electronic payroll processes, electronic payment for vendors, electronic sales and more. Do your suppliers have business continuity plans. If their businesses are disrupted where will you obtain needed supplies?

In the Valley the projection is two to four weeks without potable water. Are you prepared?
The projection is for no sewer or garbage service for three to six months. Are you prepared?
According to government officials the power may be out in the valley for up to two months. Are you prepared?

Urban Solutions: Creating Strategic Ministry Partnerships

Working with ministry partners requires a healthy infrastructure. 1. First, know how to find ministry partners, learn what they are doing and how to support them. Second, map where the resources are, be willing to share information, and cooperate with each other by lending material resources, manpower or expertise so all members are equipped for ministry. Third, recreation and leisure opportunities need to be extended to attendees of other churches and to the community. Finally, work with partners to create a seamless response to persons in neighborhood. No organization can do that without communication and cooperation.

There are many ways you can serve your neighbors within existing structures.

One way is to encourage members to serve the neighborhood association president. This role puts members in direct contact with the City, and other neighborhood association presidents which provides an instant network. Most neighborhood associations have a newsletter. Members may become a conduit of information that helps link neighbors to vital resources? Other members can serve on the Board of the neighborhood association.

Start an awareness campaign and enlist members to serve on a neighborhood watch team or become a block captain. This provides the opportunity to develop relationships with every person on the block and with the neighborhood police officer. Block captains meet with each other and this puts members in contact with someone on every block served within the neighborhood.

A third way to serve is through CERT which stands for Citizen Emergency Response Team. CERT training is offered free or at a nominal cost through some local fire departments or county emergency management offices. This allows members to become part of a network to serve your neighbors in times of disaster. Neighbors are defined as any person or organization in your neighborhood including schools, churches and care facilities. In some cities, CERT is called NET which stands for Neighborhood Emergency Team.

Churches, faith-based organizations and businesses and individuals can all play a role by setting up agreements to serve neighbors in times of need. 

CERT team sizes up the situation




Cribbing and Shoring Practice at CERT training



Encouraging Church Resilience

 Encouraging church resilience is a six part workshop series. Each workshop can stand alone, be delivered in a six week series or a full day workshop.

Ten Ways to Bolster Church Finances
Many churches are struggling to pay bills or expand ministry. In this workshop attendees will learn four practical steps to improve finances. In addition, break out groups will address specific skills to boost church revenues.

Opting In: How to Create a Culture of Service
Research says that a few members carry the work load. This can lead to burnout. This sub-topic addresses how churches track and improve participation?

Public Information Officers in the Church-What’s Next?
Is your church invisible? If it closed its doors would anyone notice it was gone? Public information officers can play a unique role in improving visibility. Listen to some astonishing principles the church can apply to revitalize ministries.

Hamming It Up: The Role of Amateur Radio Teams
Communications are a essential to resilience and sustainablity. Redundant communications help the faith community serve each other and others expecially during times of adversity. Amateur radio has applications for missions, building community partnerships, and maintaining resilience and serving others during adverse conditions. 

Safeguarding Our Most Precious Resource: How Safe Is Your Child Safety Plan?
The world has changed and child safety has become a major concern in churches. Failure to address child safety may lead to harm, criticism and legal consequences. Churches also need policies and procedures that outline how to safety Reunite  children who have been separated from parents or caregivers following a critical incident.

Nurturing Church Workers
Research indicates new church workers are not adequately supported emotionally or vocationally. Expections lack clarity. Without a fair appraisal process, imrovements are not made causing small problems become big problems. Learn how to implement processes that help develop new resources perform well, mature and in turn develop others.