According with the Resolution passed at Cal-Pac Annual Conference each church in the Conference must have a Disaster Response Plan in place. I volunteered at our leadership training on July 10th to make certain Bellflower UMC takes steps to be in compliance. The Red Cross has been contacted and a representative will come tour our campus, and make suggestions on how we can be prepared should a disaster happen while our buildings are occupied. We will also discuss how our property could be used for the community in a disaster. We will also include ongoing communication with the fire station across the street, and the Long Beach District Disaster Response Coordinator.
We all say we know what to do in a disaster...but are we prepared? Could you take care of your family and possibly your neighbors if there were an earthquake today and no Emergency Responders could reach you for three days? This means no running water, no electricity, no gas, no land lines and quite possibility no cell phones.
At the end of this article will be a form. Please fill it out and return it to the church office where the information will be filed until needed. Make copies to keep in your car, wallet, and at home.
Plan your emergency actions in advance: Try to remain calm. Panic in a major disaster can lead to falls or heart attacks. Each family member should know what their part will be in case of an emergency. Remember to tell your children what plans you have made.
Prepare for major disaster in advance. In the event of a major disaster it may be two days or more before you are reached. In Southern California we think earthquake country and from preschool through high school, at the grocery store to the Internet we have all been shown various basic supply kits. Are we prepared? Whether you make your own, or buy one that is "prepackaged" the two most essential items are: water (one gallon per day, per person) and medications. If you are a pet owner, remember to include extra water.
Practice emergency situations, let children be leaders at times. It will serve two purposes (1) they won't be as frightened in an emergency, and (2) should you be hurt or unresponsive they will be the ones who are in control. Does your child know how to let a ladder down from an upstairs window, turn off the gas meter, electricity, or water at the line to your home.
