Faith Based Disaster Preparedness One more time

RantWoman enthusiastically reminds her readers of the series of Disaster PreparednessForums for Faith-Based Organizations being held at various locations around Seattle
http://rantwoman.blogspot.com/2013/04/faith-based-disaster-preparedness-forums.html


If the opportunity to learn about disaster preparedness is not enough (RantWoman has been known to admit she herself would rather just pet the cat than think about it), you can also

--see a cool video about resilience. (RantWoman missed this last week at the event in Seattle but heard good buzz)

--meet and build community with neighboring organizations, and hear about all the people who might be in your area regardless of where they live when a disaster strikes

--Win really cool raffle items! Ding ding ding!!!! RantWoman was only last week thinking about matters to do with trash, rats, compost, black garbage bags, and of course FEE$ at her house of worship. RantWoman has no problem saying "God provided." RantWoman won the raffle item to have a representative of Seattle Public Utilities come out and talk about trash. Now RantWoman gets to get people together to try to plan the meeting. Think of it as baby steps toward disaster preparedness!

RantWoman notes the following things scribbled from her own notes about things which matter that a faith community might be able to provide:

--safe place to go

--people who can listen to each other

--prayer / meditation space

--info hub (Human? Electronic?)

--attention over time as people's emotional states and other needs evolve

--SINGING

RantWoman realizes these notes are raggedy? What would your community say?



If a nice cross tradition Abrahamic faiths pick-me-up is what you need, you could do worse than The Three Interfaith Amigos

http://interfaithamigos.com/Home.html



Finally, RantWoman really, really encourages people from all traditions to send someone from your community to one of these events. Even if you go though, you will also want to hang onto the following info for after the event:
The City's ability to respond to emergencies is strengthened by a cooperative and engaged community. We were impressed with the conversations, ideas, and insights that were shared at the forum. We urge everyone to continue the dialog and look for opportunities to collaborate and build on the momentum of the meeting. There seemed to be universal agreement that a key to recovering from a major event is the planning and preparation that occurs long before the disaster hits. On that note, a good first step (for those of you who do not already have one) is to develop an emergency plan. For more information on developing a plan visit our website at http://www.seattle.gov/emergency/prepare/personal/


As we mentioned at the forum, there are a number of ways to stay connected, increase our preparedness and receive support:


* Become and Community Emergency Hub http://www.seattle.gov/emergency/prepare/community/


* Sign up for the CCN (Community Communication Network) http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/preparedness/VPAT/CCN.aspx

* Become a Red Cross volunteer and/or take training classes http://www.redcross.org/wa/seattle

* Apply for a Department of Neighborhoods Awards http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf/thefunds.htm

* Access CARD's Faith Based Organization Planning Template-Contact OEM


Thank you for willingness to work with us to recognize and foster the resiliency that defines true community. I hope that you will consider our team a resource as we stand ready to assist you in your preparedness efforts.