Welcome to the Sparks East Stake Emergency Preparedness Plan.

This is a vital initiative to ensure the safety and well-being of thousands of Saints in our Stake following a major disaster, whether natural or otherwise.

This plan has been meticulously laid out in the video above, which we highly recommend you watch to fully understand the procedures and your role in them.

Overview of the Plan

In the event of a major disaster, once individuals have ensured their own families' safety, each Ward's members are invited to convene at their respective Ward meeting house. The first person to arrive takes on a crucial role as the Section Manager, whose first task is to open the emergency preparedness box. This box contains maps, flagging tape, and other essential tools for the operation. The Section Manager then sets up three tables to organize incoming volunteers into pairs.

The Process

1. Section Manager Duties: The first volunteer at the scene opens the emergency box, sets up tables, and begins organizing teams. They become the Section Manager.

2. Shift Manager Role: The second volunteer to arrive is designated as the Shift Manager. This individual is responsible for signing in the teams, reading them the rules, and distributing maps and lists containing the names and addresses of members in the area assigned to them.

TEAMS then do Triage and Tagging: Teams will visit each location on their list to perform triage, assessing the condition of the people and the premises. Homes will be tagged with a colored band to indicate the status:

🟩 Green: All is well.

🟨 Yellow: No answer at the door.

🟥 Red: Immediate attention is needed.

⬛️ Black: No access to the property.

This tagging system is integral to our plan, allowing us to understand and address the needs of our community members quickly. This plan is in written form, so there is no need for power or telephone connections.

Training and Guidelines

Our plan adheres to CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Training and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) guidelines, ensuring our procedures align with national disaster response and emergency preparedness standards. Good Samaritan laws protect our sincere actions in trying to help in emergencies.

Communication and Coordination

3. The Information Officer Duties: The third person to arrive at the building is the Information Officer. Upon the teams' return, the Information Officer collects reports on the assigned areas. Using Ward Communications Specialists (HAM Operators), information is relayed to the Stake Communications Specialist, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the situation across the Stake. This communication is vital for coordinating with local emergency services, including Fire, Ambulance, and EMT professionals, to direct aid where it is most needed.

How You Can Help

We want everyone to watch the instructional video referenced above to understand the full scope of the Sparks East Stake Emergency Preparedness Plan. Following this, we invite you to volunteer your skills and tools that could assist in such emergencies. Whether you have medical training, experience in logistics, or simply a willingness to help, your contribution is invaluable.

Preparedness at Home

The final segment of our video emphasizes the importance of individual and family preparedness, recommending that each family secures a three-month food supply. This proactive approach is critical to ensuring that our community is resilient, self-sufficient, and ready to support one another in times of crisis.

Get Involved

Your participation in this plan is not just a service to our community; it's a commitment to safeguarding the well-being of your family, friends, and neighbors in the face of unforeseen challenges. To volunteer or for more information on how you can contribute to the Sparks East Stake Emergency Preparedness Plan, don't hesitate to contact your Ward's Emergency Preparedness Specialist. Together, we can build a stronger, more prepared church community.

Remember, preparedness starts with you. Let's work together to ensure the safety and security of our community. Watch the video, volunteer your services, and take the steps necessary to protect your loved ones and those around you.