Preparing for any sort of emergency is a key part of the life of our congregations, and the peculiar geography of Southwest Florida makes preparation for disasters a critical task for clergy and vestries.
Preparation
Although the disruption a disaster brings may be unavoidable, thoughtful planning can prepare your church and the families in your congregation to proactively respond. Both your church and your individual family should have a disaster response plan.
Family Resources
- Visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management Family Plan site for resources on making a plan.
- Visit Ready.Gov for more help with making your plan.
- Be sure to Know Your Evacuation Zone, so that you and your family know if you need to leave.
Church Resources
- View & download the Diocesan Disaster Response Plan.
- If your church does not have a disaster response plan, you can download this template to build your own.
- To get started with your disaster response plan, use this pocket prep resource and this resource on communicating with your congregation before a disaster.
- Director of Communications Lindsey Nickel produced two videos for Episcopal Relief and Development on communications during a crisis. Watch part 1 here and watch part 2 here.
For questions about your church’s disaster response plan, please reach out to Deacon Micheal Sircy, the Diocesan Disaster Coordinator, at [email protected].
The Office of the Bishop has designated specific staff members to serve as the primary point of contact to churches in the case of a disaster. These staff members will communicate with church leadership, respond to concerns, and arrange for resources:
- Churches in the North Convocation (Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Pete Deaneries) should contact Director of Congregation Support John Edgar (813-361-2834 and [email protected])
- Churches in the Central Convocation (Manasota and Venice Deaneries) should contact Director of Communications Lindsey Nickel (727-560-0972 and [email protected])
- Churches in the South Convocation (Ft. Myers and Naples Deaneries) should contact Grants Administrator Kate Johnson (773-330-2283 and [email protected])
Last Updated: 6-18-24