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DISASTER READINESS MINISTRY NEWSLETTER
JANUARY. 2015
DIASASTER KITS
PREPARING OUR HOMES
PREPARING OUR PARISH
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISASTER KITS…………………………1
WATER STORAGE………………………2
PLASTICS FACTS FOR WATER……….4
SF FIRE DEPT. KIT TIPS………………..6
DISASTER KIT WORKSHEET……….....8
STARTING A KIT - STORAGE………….7
DRM December Meeting…………………11
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS ………...14
IOCC VOLUNTEER……………………..15
DISASTER KITS & WATER – WATER – WATER
What are Disaster Kits? Disaster Kits are small packages of supplies providing 3-5 days of water, food,
clothing and other essential items for individuals to utilize in the case of an emergency. Disaster Kits can be as
simple as this or can grow larger and more comprehensive with time. Disaster Kits come in all shapes and sizes,
and their contents are determined by individual tastes as well as the threats that they may face in their region.
Some general guidelines are helpful for beginners, and you may wish to simply follow the attached guidelines
from the San Francisco Fire Dept. NERT program. A special thanks to Dr. Gabriel Gregoratos for providing
the list. Disaster Kits can be purchased already assembled by online vendors but they are often of poor quality
and their contents are of questionable value in true emergencies. Families who are putting together Disaster
Kits should consider multiple kits per person; 1) one kit each person at home, 2) one kit for person each located
in the family car / cars, and 3) a kit located at each individual’s workplace. Preparing in this manner will ensure
that no matter where one is when disaster strikes, they are not left without provisions should they be required to
shelter in place.
In this issue we will focus primarily on water storage for disaster preparedness and the disaster kit. The very
first priority on the San Francisco Fire Dept.’s NERT checklist on page 6 is understandably WATER! In
following weeks we will cover subsequent priorities on the NERT list for any disaster kit.
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DIASASTER KITS
Of particular concern for families should be planning specialized kits for infants, pets, or especially those with
special medical needs. The attached NERT publication calls the children’s kits – “KID KITS” and this may be a
fun activity for your children to be involved in. For family with medical conditions or prescription needs, the
“Vial of Life” program may help. In coming months, the Holy Trinity Disaster Response Ministry will be putting
together an example disaster kit for parishioners to look at for an example of what to create for their family.In the
meantime, on the following pages is information is provided to assist you in making decisions in regard to this
important task.
WATER STORAGE TIPS (HOW TO START STOCKING H20)
The most important resource one can have in the case of an emergency is a reliable and accessible supply of
potable water. Luckily, enough potable water for 3-5 days of emergency preparedness can be easily purchased
and stored in a short period of time. There is a catch however. One can’t just toss jugs of water into the corner
of your basement and expect it to be potable when you try to drink it 3 years later. There are certain precautions
that must be taken when keeping and rotating stored water. The following info is provided for assistance.
Avoid leaching. SEE PLASTICS FACT SHEET Pg. 4-5. This can be dangerous, the basic premise being that
contaminants find their way through the exterior of your water storage device and into the water itself. This is
especially true for heavy plastics. This is bad for obvious reasons, refer to the attached fact sheet for more
information on leaching. Rotating water supplies often can also help reduce the risks. Metal containers may
prove to be the safest solution.
Be conscious of weight. Water is very heavy so make sure to remember that when picking a spot to place your
container(s). One gallon of water weighs 8.32 lbs, which translates to a 55 gallon barrel which weighs 457 lbs
when full. As such you probably won’t be moving it once it is in place.
Diversify your containers. Why? Differing containers have different advantages and drawbacks. By utilizing
a cross section of containers you are often able to reduce the impact of limitations you might encounter by
utilizing only one type of container. Water barrels are great, but stackable water container kits are also very
handy. Having shrink wrapped single serve bottles and larger 1 gallon containers as transportable options is
important, as well as having static supplies.
Watch expiration dates. The key point here is to ensure that you rotate through your supply so your water does
not go bad. Researching and learning how to treat your own water utilizing bleach or other antimicrobial filters
can be of benefit.
Make sure you have all the right tools. Most stackable & 55 gallon drum kits come with all the right tools, but
if not make sure you have a bung wrench and water siphon pump.
Have a water storage plan.
Have a water rationing plan.
Have a backup plan.
Research Water Treatment Options in case water supplies are contaminated.
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Don’t have a water supply at all?
LET’S GET STARTED!!!!
What to do if an emergency hits and you are left without water.
1) If your pipes are still delivering potable water, quickly fill up your bathtubs and empty containers with
water. Water supplies can quickly be damaged or contaminated by disasters. This is not the best
solution, but it MAY be better than nothing. Contamination is a big risk esp. after an earthquake.
2) If your home has a water heater, this is a readymade storage unit for water. It could provide 30-50
gallons of potable water.
3) WATCH THIS VIDEO !!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3w7wId_VAM#t=489
BEGINNER
SMALL SUPPLY
INTERMEDIATE
MEDIUM SUPPLY
ADVANCED
LARGE SUPPLY
Start with store bought cases
Use Residential Water Service to stock
55 gallon drums
One 24 count pack of 16.9 oz water
bottles purchased at the store is
equal to roughly 3 gallons.
By having residential water services
deliver water on a monthly basis, a
family can quickly stockpile 5 gallon
bottles of water. Water services will
For one person rationing water – this drop these on your front door monthly
24 count package will provide 3 days
in the quantity you specific.
of drinking water.
For one person – one bottle will last 5
days. 2 bottles will supply 2 people for
5 days.
BENEFITS
BENEFITS
Include being portable, lightweight,
segregate able, affordable and easy
to give out to others in need. IDEAL
If you have a large
family or business
which requires great
amounts of water, or if
you are planning for
extended interruptions
of water service in an
emergency.
BENEFITS
Relatively lightweight and portable,
extremely cost effective. Easy to
rotate and refill.
Lots of water!
DRAWBACKS
DRAWBACKS
Include plastic leaching, expiration;
the need to rotate stocks often, etc.
Thought light, still too heavy to
transport easily by hand. Plastic
leaching hazard.
DRAWBACKS
Tools necessary for use
Static supply. Not
portable. Plastic
leaching hazard.
FOR PORTABLE DISASTER KITS.
By stocking up slowly over a period of months utilizing a cross section of each of these types of containers,
one can ensure that they maximize the advantages and diminish the drawbacks of their water storage plan and
remain successfully prepared for any eventuality. A surplus of water is never a bad thing. “Better to have
and not need, than need and not have.” Any excess emergency water can help others who have no plan.
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PLASTICS PRIMER FACT SHEET PAGE 2
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DISASTER KIT PREPARATION WORKSHEET CHECKLIST
DOWNLOADABLE @ http://www.holytrinitysf.org/ministries/#/disasterpreparedness/
Line
Questions
1
HOUSEHOLD –
How many people are there in my
household?
3 People;
- Self
- Spouse
- Child
2
DEPENDENTS –
How many family members or friends
outside of my household will look to
me for help or assistance during an
emergency?
3 Dependents;
3
Add Lines 1 & 2 Here
This is the number of kits you will
need in your home.
4
This is also the number of kits you
may want in your vehicle.
5
Each person should have a kit at
home / school.
6
HOW MANY DAYS OF SUPPLIES DO
I WANT?
(Minimum Suggestion = 3 to 5 days)
7
PRIORITY 1 – HOME KIT H20
DO I HAVE ENOUGH DRINKING
WATER FOR MY HOME KITS?
Line 3 _____ X Line 6 _____ =
Write In Answers
Example
- Grandmother
- Father
- Sister
6
3
18 rounded up
_______ Gallons
(Always round up!)
20
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Line
Questions
8
HOW & WHERE CAN I STORE THIS
MUCH DRINKING WATER?
Four 5 gallon
arrowhead water
bottles in garage.
* See Page 7 – Water Storage Tips &
Options
-or-
9
Write In Answers
Example
7 cases of 24 count
plastic water bottles
(16.9 oz ea.)
PRIORITY 2
CAR KIT / OFC KIT H2O
36 rounded up
40
(OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED)
DO I HAVE ENOUGH DRINKING
WATER FOR MY CAR AND OFFICE
DISASTER KITS?
20 for car
20 for workplace
Line 3____ X Line 6____ X 2
10
HOW & WHERE CAN I STORE THIS
DRINKING WATER IN A PORTABLE
MANNER?
.
See Page 7 – Water Storage Tips &
Options
11
Do I Need Water for Other
Purposes Besides Drinking?
(Examples include bathing, cooking,
donating to others etc.) Based entirely
upon personal preference.
12
If Yes, how much more do I want
in an Emergency?
½?
Double?
Triple?
YES
YES
NO
NO
½x
= 10 gallons extra
For each location
Home
Car
Workplace
30 gallons total
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IDENTIFIED ACTIONS, STRATEGIC PRIORITIES & NOTES FROM LAST DRM MEETING
DECEMBER 7, 2014
At our last DRM meeting in December we broke into our small working groups to discuss initial ideas and
priorities. Those priorities were identified with each group. These ideas and priorities are spot on. Thank you
everyone for your insights and ideas! Within each group, all of these priorities can / should be pursued to the
degree each individual or group is able to devote time to them. Again, we are interested in eating this elephant one
bite at a time. Within each group it is hoped that one person be assigned as a facilitator for specific action items
so as to cultivate project ownership and accountability. Facilitators would work to advocate for their program &
coordinate within their tasking group and with the other groups for progress on a particular action item. Facilitators
could/would provide a monthly progress report to the entire DRM during meetings, soliciting help and ideas or
offering them.
The below listed items are the overall DRM short term strategic priorities and are drawn from the most important
of each of the small group ideas. These Strategic Action Items of focus give us direction for the coming months,
divided into primary and secondary tiers of concern. Later we can add a tertiary tier, and as items are completed
we can bump up items into primary action items, or drop items to lower levels of priority based on new or changing
realities. In the Action Items below, the Group Responsible is identified, and a blank space has been left for the
designation of a facilitator.
TIER 1 CONCERNS & ACTION ITEMS
EVALUATION OF ALL
FACILITIES BY
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER.
CREATING PROTOCOLS FOR
ROUTINE BUDGET AND
PURCHASES & EMERGENCY
BUDGET / PURCHASES
CHURCH C/C
Group: S-2 SCTY
Facilitator: _________
OBTAIN NECESSARY
PERMIT(S) FOR CAMPUS
STRUCTURES TO BE
USED AS SHELTER IN
EMERGENCY
Group: S-2 SCTY
Facilitator: _________
Group: S-1 ADMIN
Facilitator: _________
COORDINATE /
INTERFACE WITH FEMA &
RED CROSS AND
FAMILIARIZE DRM
MEMBERS WITH SYSTEM
Group: S-1 ADMIN
Facilitator: _________
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TIER 1 CONCERNS & ACTION ITEMS (CONTINUED)
TOUR OF GAS, ELECTRIC
& WATER SWITCHES FOR
ALL CAMPUS
STRUCTURES FOR ALL
DRM
Group: S-2 SCTY
Facilitator: AJ Isom/Nick Johnson
DISASTER KIT / “GO BAG”
ORGANIZTION FOR
DEMONSTRATION /
PRESENTATION TO
CHURCH COMMUNITY
Group: S-4 LOG
Facilitator:
LIASION WITH SF FIRE
NERT FOR INFO &
POSSIBLE TRAINING
OPPORTUNITIES SPECIFIC
TO CHURCHES
Group: S-3 OPS
Facilitator:
WATER STORAGE
SOLUTIONS
STORAGE DRUMS
300 gallon goal – 165 gallons
achieved.
& IDENTIFY LOCATION FOR
STORAGE
Group: S-4 LOG
Facilitator(s):
POSSIBLE LARGE
STORAGE CONTAINER
(SHIPPING) AT REMOTE
LOCATION IN P-LOT?
Group: Joint S-3 /S-4
Facilitator(s):
TOILET BUCKETS WITH
SUPPLIES FOR 25 PEOPLE
BED OPTIONS FOR 25
FOOD OPTIONS FOR 25
IDENTIFY PROCUREMENT
OPTIONS & LOCATION FOR
STORAGE / INVENTORY
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TIER 2 CONCERNS & ACTION ITEMS
CHURCH BACKUP OF DATA
Fr. Aris to check with Eleni
regarding archival documents and
priorities. Backup of baptismal
records / archival data.
OBTAIN OR CREATE AUTOCAD
RENDERINGS OF CHURCH
Group: S-1 ADMIN
Facilitator: Diane Athanasiou
Group: S-1 ADMIN
Facilitator: _________
ORGANIZATION OF STAGING
AREAS TO FUNNEL
DISPLACED DURING
EMERGENCY
ESTABLISH PROTOCOLS &
TRAIN ALL DRM members
Group: S-3 OPS
Facilitator(s):
SIDE FIRE EXITS FROM
CHURCH NON-FUNCTIONAL
DUE TO INCOMPLETE
CONTSTRUCTION /
OVERGROWTH
DEVELOP PLAN TO
CORRECT
VOLUNTEER SKILLS LIST
CREATION IN ADVANCE
AND ON SITE
Group: Joint S-1 /S-3
Facilitator(s):
Group: Joint S-2 /S-3
Facilitator: _________
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TIER 2 CONCERNS & ACTION ITEMS
ROUTINE SCHEDULE TO
CHECK EQUIPMENT
FUNCTIONALITY
AED / GENERATORS, ETC.
Group: S-3 OPS
Facilitator: _________
COMMAND CENTER SITE
ESTABLISH PROTOCOLS
AND TRAINING
POSSIBLE ICS TRNG FOR ALL
MEMBERS OF DRM?
Group: S-3 OPS
Facilitator(s):
WORKER ID
(Vests / Hats / Lights / Etc.)
TURNOVER SCHEDULE FOR
SHELF LIFE ITEMS
FOOD/ MRE / WATER /
BATTERIES
Group: S-3 or S-4
Facilitator:
REPORTING CHAIN OF
COMMAND DURING / AFTER
A DISASTER
Group: S-3 OPS
Facilitator(s):
SIDE FIRE EXITS FROM
CHURCH NON-FUNCTIONAL
DUE TO INCOMPLETE
CONTSTRUCTION /
OVERGROWTH
DEVELOP PLAN TO
CORRECT
Organize Work Crews and Relief
Schedules
Food & Water Distro
Child Care
At Risk / Vulnerable Pops
Group: Joint S-2 /S-3
Facilitator: _________
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NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

WEDNESDAY - JANUARY 28th, 2015 – 11am to 1pm: THERE WILL BE A
MEETING FOR ALL THE CHURCHES ON BROTHERHOOD WAY TO DISCUSS
COOPERATION REGARDING DISASTER READINESS. FATHER ARIS & A.J.
WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE. IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN BEING AT THIS
LUNCHTIME MEETING, PLEASE EMAIL A.J.
 IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) PARISH REPRESENTATIVE
AND ORTHODOX FRONTLINE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES. See the
following pages regarding IOCC’s Emergency Response Network (also known as
“Orthodox Frontline”) volunteer program and the IOCC Parish Representative Program.
In our coming meetings we can discuss volunteer opportunities for and interactions we
should seek with IOCC.
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