- MERCI
- 676 Community Dr.
- Goldsboro
- NC 27530
- 919-739-9167
- or 888-440-9167
- Fax: 919-739-9124
Local Church Disaster Preparedness Resources
It is the responsibility of each local church to be prepared for any emergency or natural disaster. Rather than present a massive guidebook on disaster preparation, the Disaster Preparation and Response Committees of the NC Conference felt it would be better left to the people of the individual churches in the communities where they minister, to decide what they need, and what will work for them.
When caught in the middle of a disaster, the last thing you need is a wordy, confusing, and vague booklet designed to "help." MERCI and the Disaster Response Committee are available to assist churches in preparing for a major crisis. By answering the questions below, a personalized disaster response and contingency plan can be developed. If you find anything that works well during your personal planning process, we welcome you to share it with your District Superintendent and/or District Disaster Response Coordinator.
Questions to ask when developing
a Local Church Disaster Response Plan:
- Who, besides the pastor, is responsible for securing doors, windows, and shutting off gas, water, electricity, etc.?
- Who will gather church records and valuables?
- Where are inventories and insurance records/papers?
- Is your insurance adequate?
- Does it cover floods, tornadoes, fire, wind and storm damage?
- Who will assess the damage after the crisis event?
- Where will the congregation meet in the event of damage to the sanctuary?
- Who will help evacuate people: the shut in, elderly, people who live alone, etc.?
- How will you help take care of yourself and family?
- How will you help take care of other?
- How will you communicate: with fire and rescue, medical personnel, church members, District Office, Conference Office?
- Who are the Ham operators/CB clubs, etc. in the community?
- What and where are the emergency numbers you will need?
- Where are the emergency shelters?
- Can your church be available as a shelter?
- What are your plans for securing a shelter, food, water, blankets, or for assisting the local shelter?
- Do you know whom to call for emergency living expenses?
Training and Downloads
Training is available through: MERCI, Disaster Response Committee members, and NC Volunteers in Mission. Classes are generally taught at MERCI. If you have 20 or more people, we can train in your location. Learn more about the training offered on our Training page. Training offered includes Local Church Preparation - Who to call when help is needed; Who does what; Where things so; Who can help and how.
NC Conference Local Church Preparedness Guide
Guidance in preparing a plan for your church before disaster strikes.
Additional Resources
Read about District and Conference Disaster Preparedness.
Visit the Ready NC website sponsored by the NC Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. This website provides North Carolinians with useful information needed to prepare for all types of emergencies.
