Emergency Preparedness

About

Equips individuals, churches and communities to be ready for natural disasters, crises, and urgent needs in order to help others in times of need.

Annotated Books & Readings

Sipes, B. (2014). Disaster ministry handbook. IVP Academic

Practical guide for congregations to prepare, respond, and recover faithfully.

https://www.ivpress.com/disaster-ministry-handbook

FEMA. (2025). Developing and maintaining emergency operations plans (Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101, Version 3.1).

Gold-standard template for local organizational emergency plans.

https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_npd_developing-and-maintaining-emergency_052125.pdf

Aten, J. D. (2019). A walking disaster: What surviving Katrina and cancer taught me about faith and resilience. Templeton Press.

Reflections on faith, trauma, and resilience with lessons for churches.

https://www.rutgersuniversitypress.org/templeton-press/a-walking-disaster/9781599475752/

Movies / Documentaries

Fire in Paradise (2018, PBS Frontline).

Examines California wildfires and emergency response; prompts reflection on disaster readiness.

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/fire-in-paradise/

Storm That Drowned a City (2005, PBS NOVA).

Explores Hurricane Katrina’s impact; helpful for discussing resilience and preparedness in faith communities.

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/video/storm-that-drowned-a-city/

Other Resources

• FEMA: Faith-Based and Volunteer Partnership Resources

URL: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/individuals-communities/faith-volunteer

• National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Psychological First Aid (PFA) and SPR

URL: https://www.nctsn.org/treatments-and-practices/psychological-first-aid-and-skills-for-psychologic al-recovery

• Ready.gov: Build an Emergency Supply Kit

URL: https://www.ready.gov/kit

• Red Cross: Disaster Training

URL: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/disaster-training?srsltid=AfmBOoqvR2jNdp3iLK4_jGJDU KanQhW7yPyMhUbEcMo6tljN6xAX8rt7

• Red Cross: Ready Rating (Preparedness self-assessment)

URL: https://www.readyrating.org

• Nazarene Disaster Response (NDR)

URL: https://www.usacanadaregion.org/compassionate-ministries/nazarene-disaster-response

• Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)

URL: https://www.mass.gov/mema

• Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA)

URL: https://riema.ri.gov

• Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS)

URL: https://portal.ct.gov/demhs

• NH Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HSEM)

URL: https://www.hsem.dos.nh.gov/

• Vermont Emergency Management (VEM)

URL: https://vem.vermont.gov

• National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)

URL: https://www.nvoad.org

• Advocates for Disaster Justice

URL: https://www.advocatesfordisasterjustice.org/