Disaster Response Update
George Abrams is "on site" and is a good contact for current information, but is working through the UMVIM coordinators (Ruth Mathis and Ronda Cordill) to get VIM teams to the right places. Ruth is coordinating the immediate response teams, and Ronda is working on some teams to go places after the first of the year.
There is an immediate need for some mucking out teams - these should be coordinated through Ruth/Ronda. The best way to reach Ruth/Ronda at this time is to call the Vancouver District Office.
A disaster response blog has been set up by George Abrams, our Disaster Response Co-Cordinator that is up-to-date and has a timeline so that anyone who wants to know what is happening, how to respond, or how to get help can go directly there. Click on the following link to visit the blog: http://www.gbgm-umc.org/disasterteam/blog/
Our Connectional Support System
Whenever disasters strike, United Methodists respond with the knowledge that Disaster Response and Recovery is a vital part of our church mission. Response and Recovery happens on five levels at once: our Conference-wide efforts, work of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), district response and recovery, local church efforts, and community support.
There are generally three stages in disaster response.
- Response – Local Authorities (Police, Fire, Ambulance, Search and Rescue)
- Relief – UMCOR/Volunteers in Mission (trained in rapid response), Others
- Recovery – UMCOR/Volunteers in Mission
As a rule of thumb, we use what we call a 1-10-100 formula in estimating the three stages of disaster response. This means a 4 day RESPONSE calls for 40 days of RELIEF and 400 days of RECOVERY.
Historically, we as a church take on active leadership in the Recovery stage of disasters. As you prayerfully discern how and what type of support you may want to give, consider the great need long after all the media hype to a disaster has ended.
Rev. David Valera
Director of Connectional Ministries
PNW – United Methodist Church