Please note: From May 2012 through June 2022, the Institute sought to provide resourcing to leaders and organizations experiencing forms of collective trauma. This website serves as a historical mark, is no longer being updated, and the following resources and links may become outdated for any reason at any point.
Disaster Preparedness and Response for Houses of Worship
When making a disaster preparedness plan for your congregation, check to see if your denomination or governing body has templates. Below are some resources. Note, links were established prior to 2022 and may be outdated.
Developing Emergency Operations Plans for Houses of Worship – FEMA
Resources from FEMA to protect your house of worship |
Prepare to Care: A Guide to Disaster Ministry for your Congregation
A Resource from Church World Service Emergency Response Program |
Course: IS 360 Preparing for Mass Casualty Incidents: A Guide for Schools, Higher Education, and Houses of Worship
A free online course conducted by FEMA Emergency Management Institute National Emergency Training Center. "This course provides leading practices and resources to assist elementary and secondary schools, institutions of higher education, and houses of worship in developing emergency plans for preparing for, responding to, and recovering from mass casualty incidents." |
Pastors and Disasters
Episcopal Relief and Development's toolbook of core competencies and standards, best practices and case studies. |
Preparedness in America
2013 FEMA Research Document |
Military Helper
Military Helper is a resource designed for members of the military and their families who are looking for help and support as they navigate the world of military life. From dealing with life separated during deployment, to finding local support groups and even dealing with the trauma of active duty and the return to civilian life, we are a community who understands the challenges that come with the territory. |
U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD
The National Center for PTSD is dedicated to research and education on trauma and PTSD. We work to assure that the latest research findings help those exposed to trauma. |
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance's Trauma Pastoral Care Video Series
A series of short videos about pastoral care after trauma. Topics include self-care, compassion fatigue, forgiveness, providing support for trauma survivors, and more. |
Just in Time Disaster Training - Video Library
An extensive library of disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery training videos curated by Disaster Resistant Communities Group (includes section for houses of worship) |