Working the Plan11/19/2025
Testing your plan should also include checking your supplies for expiration dates and integrity, as well as your notification systems and equipment to ensure that these are up to date and fully operational. The effectiveness of your plan is not measured by how many things you get “right” but by how many issues can be identified and updated. The hands-on experience is vital for understanding what a real-world scenario might feel like, providing individuals with readiness and confidence. When it comes down to equipment and supplies, testing is helpful to ensure that everyone understands proper use and to ensure everything is up to date and functioning properly.  image via FEMA A good way to remember and schedule the year:
When did you last review or test your plans for evacuation, sheltering in place, or responding to a severe weather event? LESSON LEARNED Puerto Rico is no stranger to disaster; in 2017 the island was devastated by category 5 Hurricane Maria. This disaster claimed lives and caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. “Maria completely wiped out Puerto Rico’s electrical infrastructure, leaving more than three million people without power… An estimated 80 percent of Puerto Rico’s utility poles and electrical transmission lines were destroyed, and internet, cell phone, and landline services were disrupted. About half of the island’s residents were still without power at the end of 2017; full service was not restored to the entire island until August 2018.” For the church, that meant it was difficult to check on members and communicate needs between congregations and with the central office. As a result of the catastrophic loss of communication on the island, Iglesia Cristiana (Discípulos de Cristo) de Puerto Rico came up with a radio system that was put in place to equip every congregation with a means of communication for future emergencies. Beyond communication, preparedness has been a priority. In partnership with Week of Compassion, ICDC PR continues to expand their disaster preparedness, developing and disseminating safety plans, resources, and trainings with congregations. This past September, as part of the Emergency Preparedness Plan, the radio system underwent testing. Community Stabilization Coordinator Julio Cabrera shared, “Se restableció la antena de comunicaciones y se realizaron pruebas de comunicación de radio desde el centro.” The communications antenna was re-established and radio communication tests were conducted from the ICDC PR Center. The contact lists were updated, new needs determined, and a video was created to help congregations with setup and use. We'd love to hear your stories! How is your community coming together in creative and collaborative ways to prepare, support, and care for one another? Email us! LEARN & SERVE IN-PERSON VOLUNTEERING Recovery takes a long time and it is only possible when individuals come together to help. Our partnerships help us connect our volunteers with volunteering opportunities that best suit their needs. A single person can volunteer, and in many locations, the ideal group size is 4-6! Learn more about volunteering sites for 2026. VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING Crisis Cleanup is a remote call center that connects survivors to cleanup assistance after a major disaster. Virtual volunteers are always needed. It only takes 4 easy steps to get set up to take calls anytime. This is another small way to be prepared to help. TRAINING Week of Compassion will be hosting a Disaster Site Leader Training in early 2026! This training is meant to equip individuals with the tools and knowledge to help guide teams in home repair, hospitality and faithful conversations for volunteers. This is a two part training that includes an online session (February 17-18) AND an in-person session (March 11-15, San Angelo TX). If you are interested in becoming a Disaster Site Leader, please complete the registration form to be added to the roster. + + + + + Week of Compassion partners with Children’s Disaster Services to provide respite childcare in disaster shelters and resource centers. Visit Week of Compassion's Trainings page for more information about participating in or hosting a training. To learn more about how this ministry shows up in times of need, check out this story. Comments are closed.
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Week of Compassion is the relief, refugee and development mission fund
of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. |
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mailing address:
P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis IN 46206 |
building address:
1099 N. Meridian, Ste 700, Indianapolis IN 46204 |