Disaster Preparedness
WELCA members at Grace Lutheran, N. Bellmore pack Ready-2-Go bags
Are you ready to go in an emergency?
Being prepared for any emergency, disaster or trauma means having the right tools and information in your head, your hand and your home. LDRNY Executive Director Dr. John J. Scibilia, who has been working with FEMA and OEM, recommends the following:
1) Make a plan.
Spend time with your family and loved ones to decide how you will respond in an event of an emergency, trauma or disaster. Decide on a place you will meet and have the phone numbers handy of a relative not in the area who can act as a central contact point. It’s always wise to keep mobile phone batteries charged.
2) Have the right tools.
A Go Bag packed with items to keep you safe and alive in the first 24 hours following a disaster or emergency is a wise idea. A bag should be equipped with a battery-operated radio, flashlight, extra batteries, water and a first aid kit, among other things. To make it easy for churches, families, schools, groups and students, LDRNY is offering Ready-2-Go bags. To order one, click on the Ready-2-Go logo to the right, or call 212-406-9736.
3) Know the hazards.
Be aware that electricity may go out during a disaster, so keep flashlights and extra batteries on hand. Understand that extreme weather situations can also pose problems. In a situation of high winds, remember that wires might be loose and dangerous. Be prepared to shelter in place, if necessary.
4) Know how to respond.
Know beforehand what you will do when necessary.
5) Volunteer.
Emergency response agencies are always in need of trained volunteers. If this is something that interests you, many of the agencies offer training and credentialing.
LDRNY Ready-2-Go bags have been designed with assistance and advice from Federal and City emergency managers. You may obtain one of these bags for a $70 contribution, plus shipping and handling. A few of the items will require your attention in order to have the full personal value the contents of this bag can provide should you need to ever use it. You may also choose to add items to your bag based on your personal needs such as extra medication or other important items for you should you not be able to return home for a period of time. For more information about these bags contact LDRNY at mikki@ldrny.org, or download the order form and list of contents by clicking on the logo.
General
Lutheran
Disaster Response Manual
Emergency
Contacts for NYC Non-Profits
The most comprehensive guide to resources and information for victims of September 11 and its wave effects
OVC's Victim Assistance Center, Contact Information, Related Web Sites, and Publications
American Red Cross in Greater New York
Auxiliary Police
Blockwatchers Program
Citizens for NYC
Precinct Community Councils
Counter-Terrorism Awareness for Community Members
Department for the Aging
FDNY Fire Zone, Fire Safety Learning Center
New York Cares
New York City Amateur Radio Emergency Services (NYC ARES)
NYU Center for Catastrophe Preparedness and Response
September Space
Help for Children
Resources available for parents about talking to children about disaster and violence.
Scholarships for children of victims. The listing includes programs generally available to families of the September 11 victims as well as institution-specific scholarship programs. For information relating to Financial Assistance for Lutheran Schools and Early Childhood Centers, contact the Lutheran Schools Association at 212-665-5599.
New York University's Child Study Center.
Koinonia.
New York Junior League.
Lutheran Schools Association.
www.nasponline.org which deals with a number of issues and articles--the one on Children and Fear of War & Terrorism is well done.
Government Help
Federal Emergency Management Agency.
New York State Office of Emergency Management - World Trade Center Related Emergency Links.
Mayor's Volunteer Center.
New York State Emergency Management Organization.
Medical Reserve Corps.
Ready New York.
Manhattan Borough President.
Office of Homeland Security
www.ready.gov
www.fema.gov/kids/nse/
www.fema.gov/areyouready/
Red Cross
www.redcross.org
www.redcross.org/services/disaster/keepsafe/unexpected.html
Ministry Partners
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Metropolitan New York Synod – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Atlantic District – Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
Lutheran Social Services of Metropolitan New York Project LIFE (Lutheran Initiative for Empowerment).
Counseling Help
Lutheran Counseling Center.
Relief Agencies
Lutheran Disaster Response is an inter-Lutheran program in the United States supported by ELCA Domestic Disaster and LCMS World Relief funds.
|
