• Do reach out.  Don’t assume others are doing everything.

• Familiarize yourself with the affected area and families. 

• Be especially alert to the needs of seniors and people with disabilities.  It is not uncommon for less-than-honest contractors to suddenly show up with promises of quick repairs. This is a rip-off.

• Contact your local American Red Cross (ARC), Salvation Army, and other local churches; and if no one is already doing it, organize a team to distribute coffee, soft drinks, donuts, and sandwiches for the cleanup workers and victims.  Large group dinners are good too.  Be especially alert for signs of trauma.

• Register with your local ARC and county Emergency Management Agency (EMA) office (see below) to have them contact you for any unmet needs. 

• Contact other local churches to consider holding a community service this Sunday, or as soon as practical.  Somebody will need to publicize this.

• Trusting that these events further affirm the value of a disaster response ministry, if your church does not have a disaster coordinator then this is a good time to fix that.  Identify a person(s) and have them contact Jim Ditzler or any of the Disaster Response Team Managers.  Click here for names and contact information, or check your Conference directory.

• Please communicate with Jim Ditzler (330-262-3242 or jditzler@sssnet.com) any unique programs or needs you discover.  We can make blankets, cleaning supplies, and personal care items available on short notice.  Some funds are also available where needed.  We are your church, and we do have various resources.  

DON’TS

• Don’t assemble a work team to do cleanup unless you have been invited, know the people, or are directed by another agency.  Large numbers of well-intentioned people who simply show up cause great problems.

• Don’t start collecting anything unless the need for those items has been publicized.  If you are tempted, call the ARC or EMA office.  Unwanted donations just add to the disaster.

• The large number of downed trees and limbs tempts many to get out their chain saw and go help. Unless you are professional or close to it, you must have the permission of a homeowner and, even with it, you have serious liability risks.  Don’t just rush out to help remove tree damage.

• For many storm victims, it is going to take a long time for recovery to happen.  Even after the physical damage has been repaired, emotional scars remain.  Don’t forget them.