PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF COVENTRY (PCA)
Family Disaster Response Plan
Table of Contents
Introduction: Preparing Your Family …………………………………
2
Section I: Developing Your Family’s Emergency Plan……………………2
Building Your Family’s Emergency Plan…………………………………………….. 2
Gathering Your Family…………………………………………………………………. 3
Planning to Stay or Go….………………….………………………………..……….…4
Sheltering Your Family….………………………………………..…………………..…4
Evacuating Your Family…………………………………………………………………. 5
Training Your Family……………………………………………………………………. 6
Section II: The Family Emergency 3-Day Supply Kit……………………...7
Building Your Family Emergency 3-Day Supply Kit………………………………..… 7
Storing Your Family Emergency Kit……………………………………………………. 7
Section III: Before a Disaster Strikes…………………………………………7
Practicing Your Family’s Emergency Plan……………………………………………. 7
Section IV: When a Disaster Strikes………………………………………….7
Section V: Appendices
Appendix A: Family Disaster Response Plan ……………………..………………..8
Appendix B: Family Emergency Supply Kit Checklist………………………….…11
Appendix C: Reference websites/ Phone Numbers ………………………….…11
PCC Family Disaster Preparedness - December 2015
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Introduction: Preparing Your Family for a Disaster
Just about every county in the United States has been declared a disaster area at one time or
another in the past 40 years. No matter where we live we are not immune and it is probably a
matter of when, not if, the next disaster strikes where basic services (electrical power, phone,
etc.) are cut off or in severe cases, homes are destroyed and infrastructure damaged. Besides
prayer, being prepared and knowing what to do is your best protection. The PCC Disaster Relief
(DR) Ministry Team’s goal is to help families plan in advance to survive and thrive when a
disaster strikes in order to minister to other families in need.
It is our prayer that each member takes seriously their stewardship of the resources God has
provided in order to be prepared to serve in both “the day of prosperity and the day of adversity”
(Ecclesiastes 7:14).
Special thanks to the American Red Cross and the North Texas Presbytery Disaster Response
Team for assistance in putting together this plan.
Section I. Developing a Family Emergency Plan
Know What to Do in Case of Emergency
It is important to make sure that the entire family is prepared and informed in the event of a
disaster or emergency. You may not always be together when these events take place and should
have plans for making sure you are able to contact and find one another.

Discuss with your family how to prepare and respond to emergencies that are most likely
to happen where you live, learn, work and play.

Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together as
a team.

Discuss what you would need to stay in your home for a sustained power outage.

Discuss where you would go if you had to evacuate.
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Plan what to do in case you are separated during an emergency

Choose two places to meet:
̶ At a neighbor’s home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire.
̶ Outside of your neighborhood in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate

Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. It may be easier to text or call long
distance if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service.

Everyone should have the emergency contact information in writing or saved on their
cell phones.
Plan what to do if you have to evacuate

Decide where you would go and what route you would take to get there. You may choose
to go to a hotel/motel, stay with friends or relatives in a safe location or go to an
evacuation shelter if necessary.

Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and
plot alternate routes on your map in case roads are impassable.

Plan ahead for your pets. Keep a phone list of pet-friendly hotels/motels and animal
shelters that are along your evacuation routes.
Plan if you stay until power is restored
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Develop a list of the supplies (3-day kit) your family will need in the event of a disaster.
See list below for examples.
Develop a list of training needed by your family. For example – how to light the Coleman
stove, how start the generator, etc.
Locate the cut-off for the utilities for your home.
o Gas
o Electricity
o Water
o Phone
o Cable
Assemble the family emergency supply kit and select a cool dry place to store it.
Identify the official community shelter nearest your family.
Develop a list of telephone numbers you would need in a disaster.
Identify the neighbors your family should check on in a disaster.
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Section II. The Family Emergency 3-Day Supply Kit
At a minimum, you should have the basic supplies listed below:

Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for
home).When a storm is on its way fill your bath tub with water.

Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply
for home)

Flashlight, Battery Powered or hand crank radio

Extra batteries

First Aid Kit

Medications (7-day supply) and medical items

Multi-purpose tool

Sanitation and personal hygiene items

Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof
of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

Cell phone with chargers

Family and emergency contact information

Extra cash

Emergency Blanket

Map(s) of the area
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Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit. Suggested items to
help meet additional needs are:

Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)

Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)

Games and activities for children

Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)

Two-way radios

Extra set of car keys and house keys

Manual can opener
Additional supplies to keep at home or in your survival kit based on the types of disasters
common to your area:

Whistle

N95 or surgical masks

Matches

Rain gear

Towels

Work gloves

Tools/supplies for securing your home

Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes

Plastic sheeting

Duct tape

Scissors

Household liquid bleach

Entertainment items

Blankets or sleeping bags
See Appendix E for additional items you may want to consider.
PCC Family Disaster Preparedness - December 2015
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Section III. Before a Disaster Strikes
Practice

Practice your family’s emergency plan so that each member is familiar with all
components. Review how to use the tools and equipment (start the generator, light a
lantern, light a Coleman Stove or a portable heater, etc.) as well as find where the kit is
stored, how to prepare the food, where to assemble, what to do if separated from other
family members are all important lessons to learn. Go over your plan occasionally to
refresh everyone’s memory on what procedures to follow.

Check that your contact information is current and that all the items in your Emergency
Supply Kit are fresh and in good repair.

Fill out the Deacon’s Resource Sheet (See Shepherding Group Disaster Response Plan)
and make sure your Deacon knows where you live and what you are willing to do to help
in the case of a disaster.
Reach Out to Your Neighbors
Part of this exercise is to get you connected with your neighbors. A community working together
during an emergency makes sense. This may also open opportunities to share the gospel.
Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together during an emergency.




Find out if anyone has specialized equipment like a power generator, or expertise such as
medical knowledge, that might help in a crisis.
Decide who will check on elderly or disabled neighbors.
Make back-up plans for children in case you can't get home in an emergency.
Sharing plans and communicating in advance is a good strategy.
Fill Out the Red Cross Disaster Plan (Appendix A )
Section IV. When a Disaster Strikes






Stay calm. Keep your family members calm.
Pray for your family, your church family, and your neighbors.
Implement your family disaster plan.
Inspect your house. Turn off utilities that are damaged and those you suspect are
damaged. Take actions to prevent further damage from exposure to the elements.
Help others in your neighborhood. They may need first aid.
Listen for emergency information from local emergency broadcast stations or.
PCC Family Disaster Preparedness - December 2015
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




Watch for the local police, fire, and emergency management agencies to begin moving
through the area to do damage assessment and respond to emergency calls. Provide
information about your family and neighborhood to these local government officials.
Share with them needs or concerns but be prepared for them to handle life-threatening
emergencies first.
Thieves often infiltrate disaster sites - Report any suspicious activity.
Be prepared to evacuate if ordered to do so.
Contact your Deacon if help is needed
Once you have determined that you and your family are safe, seek opportunities to
minister to your neighbors and share your faith with those around you. You can provide
hope through the hope you have received in Christ.
Section V: Odds and Ends
Storm Alerts. The method of getting your attention regarding disasters varies from community
to community. TV and radio broadcasts are typical but your community may have a special siren
or send out “robo” telephone calls. See Appendix B for a list of websites and local radio stations
that provide storm warnings. Note: In the case of a pending storm, the church will send out a
“heads-up” email alerting of an approaching storm.
You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time:
church, work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one.
Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together in the event of an emergency. You will
be better prepared to safely reunite your family and loved ones during an emergency if you think
ahead and communicate with others in advance.
Deacon Contact . Make sure the Deacon assigned to your shepherding group has information on
where you live, what you have for equipment and what you are willing to do to help in the case
of a disaster.
The PCC Disaster Relief Team is responsible for this plan – please contact a member if you have
any corrections or suggestions or are interested in becoming a disaster response volunteer.
PCC Family Disaster Preparedness - December 2015
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Section VI: Appendices
Appendix A: Family Disaster Response Plan
Family Last Name(s) or Household Address:
The John Doe Family
Date:
146 Bantrim Road Coventry, CT 06238
12/21/20XX
Family Member/Household Contacts:
Name:
John Doe
Home/Work Phone:
Cell Phone:
n/a
860-XXX-3841
email
…….gjohndoe@pz.xxx.com
Pet Information:
Name:
Pixie
Type:
Dachshund (miniature)
Color:
Registration:
Black
#
Plan of Action:
The Disasters most likley to hit our home are :
1) Wind and harsh winter weather related damage: power outage, tree and
debris damage
2) Torrential down- pour and related flooding
What are escape routes from our home?
n/a
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If separated during an emergency what is the meeting place by our home ?
1) John Neighbor
860-742-1xxx
If we cannot return home or are asked to evacuate what is our meeting place
outside of the neighborhood?
1) Bill Neighbor
In the event our household is separated or unable to communicate with each
other the emergency point of contact outside our area is:
Name:
Home/Work Phone:
Becca Doe
860-XXX-XXXX
Cell Phone:
email
n/a ……….becca.doe@gmail .com
If our children are at shool or day care they will be evacuated to:
Childs Name
Site/Address
Laura and Daniel Doe
Our Home
Our additional planning for people in our household with a disability or a special
need:
Person’s Name: n/a
Plan: n/a
Shelter In Place
During certain emergencies local authorities may direct us to a shelter in place in our
homes . This is to protect from chemical contaminates or radiation. Want a room with as
small a number of doors and windows so you can seal it to minimize outside air
penetration. Need a radio to monitor Emergency Broadcasts.
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TASK LIST
Task
Description
Family Member
Disaster Kit Documentation Plan, contacts, utility bill
John
Disaster Kit Food
Items for 2 weeks
Ruth
Disaster Kit Equipment
Flashlight, Generator
Operation
John, Daniel
Pet Preparation
Laura
If your property is damaged and covered by your insurance company please call
them immediately.
Insurance Company:
Policy #
Agent:
Phone number:
Church Contacts:(Phone, email)
Deacon:
Elder:
Closest Church Member :
Local Shepherding group members:
Church phone #: 860-742- 7222
email: office@coventrypca.church
Going Forward/ to do list:
1) Kerosene for the portable heater
2) Hand cranked radio and flashlight
3) Water filter
4) Preservative for diesel fuel
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Appendix B: Family Emergency Supply Kit Checklist (expanded)
Water
• 1 gal/person/day
Nonperishable & Comfort
Foods
• Canned Fruit
• Canned Juice
• Canned Meat
• Canned Milk
• Canned Vegetables
• Cereal
• Crackers
• Energy Bars
• Hard Candy
• Instant Coffee/Tea
• Peanut Butter/Jelly
• Salt/Pepper
• Sugar
• Trail Mix
Health & Hygiene Items
• Adhesive Bandages
• Antacid
• Anti-Diarrhea Med
• Antiseptic
• Bug Repellant
• Contact Lens &
Solution
• Cotton Balls
• Cough Drops
• Eye drops
• Eye Glasses
• First Aid Kit
• Hand Sanitizer
• Medical/Dental Ins.
Plans
• Pain Relievers
• Paper Towels
• Plastic Bags
• Plastic Bucket/ Lid
• Prescription Drugs
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Special Care Items
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Surgical Tape
• Tissues
• Toilet Paper
• Towelettes
Tools and Equipment
• Camp stove
• Candles
• Cellophane Tape
• Chlorine Bleach
• Compass/GPS
• Disinfectant
• Duct Tape
• Eating Utensils
• Fire Extinguisher
• Flashlight and
Batteries
• Hammer
• Hand Can Opener
• Maps
• Matches/Lighter
• Plates/Cups/Bowls
• Pliers
• Pots and Pans
• Radio and Batteries
• Rope
• Screwdrivers
• Sewing Kit
• Shovel
• Signal Flare
• Soap & Shampoo
(Dish and Hand)
• Tarp/Plastic Sheets
• Tent
• Utility Knife
• Whistle
• Wrenches
Special Items
• ATM Cards
• Bible
• Camera & batteries
• Cell Phones &
Chargers
• Checkbook
PCC Family Disaster Preparedness - December 2015
•
•
•
•
•
Extra House Keys
Games/Books
Laptop Computer
Paper/Pencils/Pens
Phone
Nos./Addresses
• Small Denomination
Cash
• Shelter Location
Clothing and Bedding
• Blankets/sheets
• Pillows
• Change of Clothes
• Coats/Hats
• Gloves
• Rain Gear
• Socks
• Shoes/Boots
• Sleeping Bags/Cots
Automobile
• Emergency Kit
• Extra Keys
• Flashlight
• Tools
Baby Items
• Baby Clothes
• Baby Food/ Formula
• Baby Toys
• Diapers
• Plastic Bottles/Bags
Important Documents
(In Waterproof Container)

Birth Certificates

Deeds

Financial Statements

Insurance
Information

Passports

Photo IDs

SSAN cards

Wills
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Appendix C: Reference Information
Radio stations for storm closings: WFSB Channel 3, WTIC 1080
Websites:
Church: www.presbyterianchurchofcoventry.org
If the power goes out call to report the outage and to check status:
Eversource (formerly Connecticut Light and Power) 800-286-2000
Eversource: https://www.eversource.com/Content/ct-e
Weather: www.weather.gov
For emergency information : www.nws.noaa.gov.
Let Your Family Know You are Safe
If your community has experienced a disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well
website to let your family and friends know you are safe. You may also call 1-800-RED CROSS
(1-800-733-2767) and select the prompt for "Disaster" to register yourself and your family.
Disaster Response websites:
www.redcross.org/disaster/safety/
Mission to North America (PCA)
www.pca-mna.org
The Southern Baptists have some good resources and information: www.baptistrelief.org
The website of the Department of Homeland Security, www.ready.gov has great section on
being informed with an overview of potential disasters and how to prepare for them.
The FEMA website also has an excellent spreadsheet for determining risk at www.fema.gov ; go
to Disaster Info, Plan Ahead and Determining Risk. You can also put The Disaster City®
Guide on your iPhone®
Are you prepared? Go to http://www.whatsyourrq.org/ to take a quiz to determine your
Readiness Quotient.
Use the New Online Family Emergency Planning Tool created by the Ready Campaign in
conjunction with the Ad Council to prepare a printable Comprehensive Family Emergency Plan:
http://ready.adcouncil.org/beprepared/fep/index.jsp
Use the New Quick Share application to help your family in assembling a quick reference list
of contact information for your family, and a meeting place for emergency situations:
http://ready.adcouncil.org/beprepared/quickshare.html
PCC Family Disaster Preparedness - December 2015
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Subscribe to alert services. Many communities now have systems that will send instant text
alerts or e-mails to let you know about bad weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc. Sign
up by visiting www.ready.gov/america/local/index.html.
If your community has experienced a disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well
website to let your family and friends know you are safe. You may also call 1-800-RED Let
Your Family Know You are Safe
If your community has experienced a disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well
website to let your family and friends know you are safe. You may also call 1-800-RED CROSS
(1-800-733-2767) and select the prompt for "Disaster" to register yourself and your family.
The American Red Cross sells Equipment that you may want to have on hand:

Flashlight [Available on the Red Cross Store]

Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) [Available on
the Red Cross Store]

First aid kit [Available on the Red Cross Store]
PCC Family Disaster Preparedness - December 2015
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