Checklist for Bishops
The following checklist summarizes some of the things a bishop should do in preparation for, and after a hurricane.
Before the Hurricane
- Work with the Ward Council to develop a simple written emergency preparedness plan, including a communications strategy.
As the Hurricane Approaches
- Become familiar with the Principles of Disaster Recovery
0-72 Hours After the Hurricane
- Keep yourself and your family safe.
- Ascertain the safety and needs of members, missionaries, and church property. Take independent action in behalf of church members as needed.
72 Hours to 8 Weeks after the Hurricane
- Meet with the Ward Council to determine how to serve, and what level of service constitutes an acceptable offering to the Lord.
- Delegate as much of the response effort to the ward council and team leaders to ensure vital ward responsibilities are not neglected.
- Review safety policies and procedures.
- Use this opportunity to build relationships with city and county leaders, as well as religious and community leaders in the areas in which you serve.
- Working under the direction of the stake president, consider asking local newspapers or news media to highlight your service.
8 Weeks-3 Months after the Hurricane
- Coordinate with the ward council to determine how to best follow up with survivors in your ward boundaries.
- Be sensitive to spiritual and emotional strains on volunteers and survivors, weeks and months after the hurricane.