Churches Learn What To Do In A Disaster

SEBRING - On Friday, at Florida Hospital Heartland Division, about 200 attendees prayed that no disasters hit the county - but just in case - those representatives from 67 churches and several local agencies should be better prepared.

Participants heard about psychological first aid, official responses and the role of churches. The group learned they should have plans for everything, including picking up the kids at school and making sure the church generator was topped off with fuel.

"Taking the Chaos Out of Disaster" was organized by the hospital's Parish Nursing Faith Community Outreach.

Local police, the Salvation Army, the county health department, emergency management, the Red Cross, parish nurses and hospital representatives addressed the audience during the day-long event.
Suzanne Crews, parish nurse coordinator, said churches have two main duties in case of a disaster; most importantly, the safety of people inside should be maintained and then church business should be secure and protected.

In most cases, a church representative was charged with relaying to fellow disaster volunteers information culled from a fat packet of literature given to each attendee and directly from speakers.
"They can take this information and in turn disseminate it back to the churches," said Crews. "We couldn't have every worker here."

Charles A. Klug Jr., a planning consultant of emergency planning with the Highlands County Health department, spoke about expectations at special needs shelters where meals are served and a cot is available, with a folding chair for each caregiver.

Those using shelters should bring medication in the original containers, all medical supplies and equipment, personal hygiene items and 72 hours of clothing.

"It's basic care," said Klug. "It's not a hotel, not a resort, it's a place of last resort."
Klug also stressed that no one would be turned away from a shelter.

"We don't toss anybody away when the wolf is at the door. We do whatever we have to do."

Carolyn Edwards is a registered nurse and represented the First Presbyterian Church of Sebring. She was excited to learn how to best plan in advance.

Sue Gwaztney is an RN and represents First Baptist Church of Avon Park.

"We need to know what's happening ahead of time," said Gwaztney. "A lot of things you have to do ahead of time."

"Many of our parish members are elderly and we want to help inform the parish what they need."