Disasters can tremendously impact the lives of those affected, and it’s only natural to step in and lend a helping hand– especially to those in our local communities. Historically, congregations have significantly aided and supported their neighbors during challenging times, often setting an example for others. While an instinct may be to jump in and help, it is critical to assess community needs, identify available resources, and develop a comprehensive relief plan to maximize the impact of all contributions.
When a disaster occurs, there are three important things to remember:
- Survivors’ needs come first
- Reach out to the community at large
- Stay aware
Key tips:
- Pre-plan and know your church roster’s demographics.
- Don’t make assumptions about what people have and what they need.
Continue reading in the Emergency Preparedness for Natural Disasters and Extreme Weather Handbook.
This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states.
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