ARDF Training: The Three Phases of Disaster Response
How do Anglicans respond to hurricanes, floods, fires, and other disasters?
Today, 25 Anglicans representing 10 parishes across four states gathered for Disaster Preparedness Training in Charleston, South Carolina. Hosted by the Anglican Relief and Development Fund (ARDF), the event sought to train participants in disaster response and foster relationships for future coordinated efforts. Led by Tommy Lamb, the Director of the ARDF the Disaster Response Network, the event also featured presentations by Susan & Skeeter Bell of Trinity Lafayette in Louisiana and Stephen Haynesworth of St. John Parish Church in South Carolina.
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This article shares one key idea from the training: The Three Phases of Disaster Response.
The Three Phases of Disaster Response
Every disaster is unique, but most have three distinct phases of response.
1) First Responders (Week 1)
The first week after a disaster is all about survival. Political leaders often make a disaster declaration, law enforcement and the National Guard are deployed, and major organizations such as the Red Cross move in. During this phase, the most important task for the church is to look after its own people and facility and communicate with others to identify emerging needs.
2) Emergency Relief (Week 1 to Week 10)
This is where the church steps in to serve the broader community. Each congregation determines how it can serve, whether by collecting supplies, distributing supplies, cooking food, helping with clean-up, or meeting other needs. Two important points to remember: First, no congregation can do everything; each must identify its capacity and focus on serving well in that space. Second, the needs on the ground are constantly changing, so the congregation must maintain regular communication and be flexible in adapting to emerging needs.
3) Long-term Recovery (Week 10 to Week 100)
Disaster response does not end when the cameras and the big organizations leave. There is long-term work to rebuild, encourage, and provide spiritual care. In this phase, the church is one of the few remaining institutions that are giving help. Here, the relationships that were formed in the first two phases deepen, often turning into lifelong friendships and yielding remarkable fruit for the gospel. Thus, the work of disaster response not only serves the world with the hands of Christ but also invites the needy world into his loving embrace.
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