Kern Leadership Alliance’s DISASTER & EMERGENCY RESPONSE plan prepares the faith community to effectively respond in the event of a local disaster. In collaboration with public and private agencies (including American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Kern County Office of Emergency Services, Kern County Department of Public Health, Bakersfield Fire Department, and San Joaquin Community Hospital), Kern Leadership Alliance trains and mobilizes churches to serve as shelters, staging areas, and distribution centers for disaster relief. Currently 150 churches are participating in the community-wide strategic initiative.
When disaster strikes “like a thief in the night” will our community be prepared?
That is the question members Kern Leadership Alliance asked in regards to the faith community here in Kern County. We live in dangerous times. Terrorism is on the rise, with elevated threat levels now a part of our daily routine. We have watched thousands experience loss of life, property, and security when hurricanes, earthquakes, and wild fires have struck unexpectedly.
How can we, as a faith community, prepare ourselves to respond should disaster strike?
Join with Kern Leadership Alliance to better serve our community in times of greatest need?
By becoming involved with DER you will have access to:
- The Disaster & Emergency Response Manual for Kern County, which will help your church create a plan
- Table top trainings that challenge you to think and respond to high-pressure situations
- Continued training opportunities by partners of DER
- Red Cross Certification, depending on your level of interest, to potentially limit your liability for facility damage in the event of a large event
- Priority delivery of state emergency supplies such as vaccinations, food, and medical equipment
“The Church has a unique ministry during and after a disaster. Disasters provide some of the greatest opportunities to minister to the needs of the community. The Church’s involvement (or lack of involvement) speaks volumes and leaves a lasting imprint upon the lives of those directly affected by disaster” -Disaster & Emergency Response Manual
