Emergency Prep Knives

Here's another church emergency response plan to consider. This one claims to be based on several inputs like FEMA best practices and is designed as a starting place template.
http://www.communitycouncilstc.org/storage/COADinfo/faith based template final.pdf

Of particular interest (to me) is that Appendix 5 provides an example of a threat x impact risk matrix, as discussed earlier in the thread. My only addition to the risk analysis matrix would be to add consideration of mission impact. The church has, or should have, a different mission in the face of a disaster than, say, a local bank or fast food joint. I would ask the church to clearly define its mission for each threat and then add a colum to the matrix for mission impact. Again, the goal of the risk matrix is to identify threats with HIGH likelihood and HIGH impact.

Another aspect of this template that I think is good is that it assumes that the local church is part of a larger network of responders, including denominational structructures and local, state and national responders. I've heard some of the after-action read-outs from the Boston Marathon bombing response and it's been repeatedly emphasized that the fast response on all levels was a direct result of table-top exercises that a) identified a broad set of responding organizations, b) built up trust between them and c) exercised communication channels. Any disaster that affect a local congregation to the extent of needing a response plan will also affect its neighbors, so I think part of loving our neighbors will have have to include coordination with local and state emergency response planners.

One thing you all might want to give careful consideration to is whether or not to allow your church building to be designated as a Red Cross emergency shelter. My understanding is if an emergency is declared and the Red Cross comes in, the congregation will effectively give up control of the building for the duration of the event and that you shouldn't expect to get the building back in the same condition.

It is at this point that my father, who worked in Christian service most of his career would quip that "Christian organization" is an oxymoron. The first is a call to self-sacrifice and the second, to self-preservation. This is why I think it's so critical to explicitly name what the mission of church is for each threat scenario.

Last comment... I think "bug out bag" isn't a helpful name. I would think more along the lines of a "You've just become an environmental disaster refugee bag". This seems to me to be most realistic need for a go bag.

I would love to hear more as this unfolds.

If the mods think its more appropriate, perhaps this thread goes to the survival sub-forum?

 

Good point.

 

Serrated Spyderco Salt, either the 2 or the Pacific depending on the size you want. Their cutting power is pretty much unmatched by anything out there at the same size, also rust proof of course.

 

I think the issue of sharing would be critical in a serious crisis. Not everyone will prepare adequately, no matter what you do. Many others will prepare but then will lose things over time, or not be able to find where they stored all their preps in the stress and rush of an emergency. Some stuff will go off or get moldy, things will get lost or used over time. Some people may even lose their houses (and therefore all their preps) to a fire, flood, etc.

So during an emergency, you'll probably end up with 50% of people with all their preps in place, and the other 50% will be missing a lot or have nothing at all on them. In times like that, everyone shares. So if your family has prepped to have just enough for themselves, but then has to share 50% of it, suddenly you only have half what you need.

In summary there might be a benefit in having a communal store of supplies that won't be lost, and will be maintained properly. Basic things like blankets, camp mattresses, nappies, tampons, toilet paper, bottles of drinking water, freezer bags and garbage bags, tarps, ropes, etc. Throw in an axe, a saw, a couple of survival knives, a comprehensive first aid kit, a satellite phone, etc.

Just an idea to throw in the mix.