10 Steps for Implementing Your Ward Plan

Stake Emergency Response Committee

The Stake PEC–consisting of the Stake Presidency and Stake High Council–plus the Presidency of the Stake Relief Society, constitutes the emergency response committee of the Kaysville South Stake. The Stake Emergency Preparedness Coordinator (SEPC) will assist the Stake Council as needed.

The Stake Council, after ensuring their own family members are cared for, will convene to:

  • Establish the Stake Operations Center (SOC). In many cases, the SOC will be convened virtually, to function as a central communications hub. If there is a major disaster requiring ongoing coordination, a physical SOC may be established at the Stake Center, or alternate location as directed by the Stake Presidency.
  • Establish communication with Ward Command Posts.
  • Make an initial assessment of the condition of all individuals within stake boundaries (via the Stake Radio Net).
  • Determine an initial course of action (based on any direction from civil authorities if they are available).
  • Define responsibilities, ensuring key priesthood leaders are available to minister to the people and that others, as assigned, focus on the physical arrangements needed at the time.
  • Set the time and method for follow-up communications with the Kaysville Region and wards, and establish shifts to manage the SOC.

Leadership

During an emergency, all members of the Stake Council may not be available. If a presiding priesthood authority is absent, the following order should be observed to determine who directs response efforts until a presiding authority is present.

Stake

  1. High Councilors, in order of seniority
  2. Stake Relief Society Presidency

Ward

  1. Bishopric
  2. Elders Quorum Presidency
  3. Relief Society Presidency

Priority Actions in an Emergency

  1. Assist those who are injured or in danger.
  2. Assess the needs and conditions of individuals and families as reported by the Ward command posts. Document and consolidate these reports.
  3. Account for all families, assisting them to reunite as soon as possible.
  4. Inform the Region of conditions in the stake and request assistance as necessary.
  5. Arrange for shelter and other needed services. Keep people as close to their property as possible. Consider the homes of relatives, friends, and neighbors before sending people to public shelters or establishing a shelter in a church meetinghouse.
  6. Assess damage to church property and take steps to protect it as necessary.
  7. Review damage to homes and determine ways neighbors can assist one another.
  8. If necessary, establish a shelter in the Stake Center.

Selected Services

The presiding authority will use the Ward Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan as a guide to determine who is best suited to provide selected services in emergencies. Such services may include:

  • Medical Assistance
  • Food Preparation
  • Clothing
  • Temporary Housing
  • Child Care
  • Sanitation
  • Clean Up
  • Special Needs
  • Recreation