Purpose of a Disaster plan
To prepare a team of chaplains for natural or man-made disasters so that they can offer community and government authorities chaplains to assist in energy and disaster situations.
Definitions:
What is a disaster?
The American Red Cross defines a disaster as an emergency that causes the loss of life and property, and a disruption in which survivors cannot manage without spiritual, monetary, or physical assistance. Disasters may be human-made (e.g., terrorism, industrial accidents) or natural (hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, etc.).
Four phases of disaster
1. Rescue. The primary task is to save lives and property. Essential personnel include emergency medical, firefighting and law enforcement professionals. Nonprofessionals may be able to give first aid and call for help. Chaplains may be called on to supply Spiritual care.
2. Relief. The major task is to create safe and sanitary conditions for survivors and emergency personnel attending to them. Faith communities may provide clothing, food, shelter, health care, and pastoral response.
3. Short-term recovery. The major tasks include damage assessment, restoration of utilities, temporary repair, reestablishment of communications, and maintenance of civic order.
4. Long-term recovery. Principal tasks are rebuilding lives and communities, conducting grief counseling and dealing with the physical, emotional and spiritual unmet needs.
Spiritual Care
During the rescue phase chaplains can be used to supply spiritual and emotional care to victims as follows
1. Assess the survivors that are not in the need of immediate medical attention
2. Dealing with family separation
3. Death notification
4. Comforting the bereaved
5. Recommendations for further mental health attention
This is usually accomplished from and in conjunction with a First Responder or Crises command post or hospital in the area.
Having Chaplains on the Crises team has so many advantages that many government and private organizations have not only recognized this, but are now asking for chaplains.