September is National Preparedness Month and 2018’s overall theme is: Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How. The theme empowers all of us to take an active role in preparing for disasters and emergencies. As we enter the peak of hurricane season, it is important for us to think about our personal preparedness as we help others protect their […]
Comfort Center Guidelines
Comfort Centers are short-term, usually only day-use locations, where community members can go in the event of an emergency. These Centers can serve as places to get information, as charging stations, as places to stay out of extreme heat or cold in the event of power outages, and places to get water and refreshment. Your […]
Protecting Houses of Worship
Unfortunately, protecting houses of worship is a relevant and important topic in today’s world, but it doesn’t have to be difficult or detract from your ministries. Look over these resources for valuable and practical information on keeping your church safe from a shooting or other attack. This document provides Federal Government Resources for Protecting Houses […]
Ways to Help Disaster Survivors
12 Ways You Can Help Disaster Survivors Recover Through UCC Disaster Ministries Organize a U.S. disaster recovery work team. Just a week of your time will help disaster survivors rebuild their homes and lives. http://www.ucc.org/disaster_disaster-volunteers Repair/rebuild a hurricane-damaged home or part of a home for a family in Texas or Florida. $7,000 rehabilitates a Harvey-flooded affordable […]
Extreme Heat safety resource
When summer is here, it is important to remember the dangers of extreme heat. Heat can be deadly and community action really can save lives. Extreme heat kills more people every year than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods combined. People who are young, or elderly, or ill are particularly vulnerable because their bodies are less able to […]
Volunteer in Puerto Rico and Leaders’ Guide
Category 5 Hurricane Maria is regarded as the worst natural disaster on record to hit Puerto Rico. It made landfall there on September 20, 2017. It was directly responsible for more than 60 deaths – many more when factoring in the crippling of health care, power, water supply and other systems for months after the storm had passed. Maria followed […]
Opioid Epidemic Practical Toolkit
The Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnership, under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has released “The Opioid Epidemic Practice Toolkit: Helping Faith-based and Community Leaders Bring Hope and Healing to Our Communities.” This document provides a simple, but proven, list of actions that churches can take to make a difference in their […]
Leadership Project
First United Church of Christ in Royersford, using a New Ministries Grant from the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference, developed a training program to strengthen volunteer leaders in churches. The objective was to create a way for the volunteer leaders from churches and non-profit organizations in the local communities to practice the basic disciplines of team building […]
Natural Disaster and Severe Weather Survival Strategies
A recommended resource from the PSEC Disaster Recovery Ministries is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention disasters page, which includes valuable information on nearly a dozen type of disasters, including extreme heat, winter weather, and floods. Visit that page for valuable information to help your church be prepared: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/index.html
Disaster Response Infographics
In 2015 FEMA released preparedness infographics to help spread information on being ready for a disaster. Topics include floods, pet preparedness, disaster kits, and more. Download those graphics by visiting this FEMA website.
