Churches learn to be prepared for disaster
By Chad Douglas
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 4:33 p.m.
Read more: Local
QUINCY -- It's not a question of if, but when the next disaster will hit.
And being prepared can greatly reduce the impact of a natural or manmade disaster.
That was one message that was heard Tuesday in Quincy.
Several organizations and area churches met to discuss how they can help each other and everyone else in a disaster.
This was a first in what hopes to be a series of gatherings between organizations like the American Red Cross, the Adams County Health Department, and area churches focused on faith based emergency preparedness.
"We know in a disaster, the church is someplace people will seek out for assistance of food, or clothing, or shelter. We recognize churches are vital to that and that's part of the reason for the initiative," says John Simon, the Emergency Management Coordinator for Adams County.
"When people deal with a crisis or go through an emergency, pandemic, etc., even though other agencies provide the tangibles, churches can provide the intangibles. Let's deal with the emotions, the stress, and how you feel on the inside," says Bishop E.L. Warren with the Cathedral of Worship church in Quincy.
In an emergency, a lot of times people turn to their church for help.
Whether it be for food, shelter, or counseling.
This meeting was also a chance for churches and organizations to get together and share their resources, so when the next disaster hits, the all agencies can be involved.
It was also a chance for them to talk about being trained to help in a disaster.
They didn't just talk about natural disasters, but other types of emergencies.
"We're doing foreclosure, credit recovery training to many congregations. We talk about recession and helping families live on budgets and to refocus and not panic," says Jeanette Wilson with the Broadcasters Ministers' Alliance of Chicago.
"It's very important to be trained before a disaster occurs. You'll be able to help all the agencies better if you've had training ahead of time. We're always happy to have spontaneous volunteers at a time of disaster. Once you've had the training, we can elevate you to a higher level of leadership to help us rather tahn the person who walks through the door," says Pam Shaffer with the Adams County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
If your church missed the meeting, or would like more information, you can contact any of the following for more information.
Shay Drummond with the Adams County Health Department at 222-8440 ext. 147 or sdrummond@co.adams.il.us
Bishop E. L. Warren with the Cathedral of Worship Church in Quincy at 223-3344.
John Simon, the Adams County Emergency Management Director at 277-2005 or jsimon@co.adams.il.us
Pam Shaffer with the Adams County Chapter of the American Red Cross at 222-2477.
