Wednesday, June 19, 2024

January 2024 - Emergency Response Plan



Chester Ward

Ashton Idaho Stake

Chester and Saint Anthony Idaho 

Emergency Response Plan

January 2024


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Chester Ward

Emergency Preparation and Response Plan


The emergency preparation and response plan for the Chester, Idaho Ward is based on principles set for the in Providing in the Lord's Way: A Leader's Guide to Welfare (32296) and its supplement Church Welfare Resources (34475), pages 14 through 17. All preparation and response should be carried out through the existing Church organization.

 

The ward council should be used fully in these efforts.

Preparing for Emergencies

The most likely emergencies to strike the Chester Ward are:

          An earthquake that could damage roads, homes, and public utilities

          Wild Fires

          Winter storms and extreme cold

         Flooding (incl. ice jams)

         Severe drought and high heat

          Power Outages

         Hazardous Materials/ Chemical spills on city, county or state roads requiring evacuation

         Biological threats targeted at large public gatherings

         Anhydrous Ammonia discharge from local businesses / farms

         Nuclear blasts or radiological dispersion devices

         Civil Disobedience/ Terrorism

 

The Ward Council should review and discuss progress toward encouraging members to acquire a year's supply of food, clothing, and where possible, fuel and to prepare for the expected emergencies. Suggested methods accomplishing family and ward preparedness are:

         Sacrament meeting talks under the direction of the Bishop

         Melchizedek Priesthood Quorum emphasis using the councils to prepare lessons and home teaching messages

         Relief Society lessons, visiting teaching messages, and enrichment meetings

         Young Men, Young Women, and Scouting lessons and experiences

         Dry Pack Canning

         Firesides

         Emergency Preparedness fairs

         Emergency exercises (radio coverage test, etc.)

 

The Ward Council (or Emergency Preparedness Coordinator) should also review and update the following by July 1st of each year and be prepared to provide the following to the High Council representative.

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Those in the ward with special skills or equipment who could be helpful in an emergency

         The method of communication to be used in the ward and to the stake if telephones are out and the status of the communication equipment

         The approach used to inform less-active members and those of other faiths of plans in the ward for response to emergencies

 

The High Councilor should report annually to the Stake Presidency on:

         The Chester ward emergency plan

Responding to Emergencies

Members are encouraged to take direction from civil authorities during emergencies. After ensuring that family members are able to care for themselves, ward council members should convene to:

 

         Determine an initial course of action based on any direction from civil authorities

         Define responsibilities making sure that key priesthood leaders are available to minister to the people and that others, as assigned, focus on the physical arrangements needed at the time

         Make an initial assessment of the condition of families

         Set the time and method for follow-up communications

 

As soon as possible, ward leaders will meet at the Chester, ID Pavilion to determine needs and coordinate efforts in rendering assistance where needed. Please see Appendix G for contact information for the Bishopric and Ward Council.


Alternate locations will be used if needed and if available in the following order:

   

Ashton Stake Building 516 2nd North, Ashton, ID 83420

Ashton Ward Building 1313 North 3600 East, Ashton, ID 83420

 

In the event no building is available in the Ashton Idaho Stake, the Saint Anthony, ID Stake will be contacted to obtain permission to use their Stake Center.

When an emergency occurs, the Bishopric may not be available. In their absence, the Elder’s Quorum Presidency should be used to determine who would direct response efforts until a presiding officer is present. Please see Appendix G for contact information.

Priority actions for Ward leaders in an emergency should be:

1.      Assess conditions and safety for those that will be assisting in the affected areas.

2.      Assist those who are injured or in danger.

3.      Account for all families, assisting them to reunite as soon as possible.

4.      Inform the Welfare Square Bishop's Storehouse of conditions in the ward and request assistance as necessary. If the Welfare Square Bishop's Storehouse is unavailable, contact should be made with Church Headquarters.

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5.      Arrange for shelter and other selected services, keeping people as close to their property as possible, or in the homes of relatives, friends, and neighbors, before sending them 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.      With approval from a member of the Presidency of the Seventy or the Area Presidency, Church buildings (except temples) may be used as shelters, first aid stations, feeding locations, and recreation centers during emergencies. Ward council members ensure that those using the buildings observe Church standards of conduct, including the Word of Wisdom, while they are in the buildings. (General Handbook 35.5.5)

Accountability:

During an emergency, the stake presidency receives reports from bishops on the condition of Church members and Church property. The stake presidency then reports to a member of the Presidency of the Seventy or the Area Presidency. (General Handbook 22.9.1.3)

When emergencies arise, the bishop should receive reports from quorum leaders concerning the conditions and needs of members. Quorum leaders receive these reports from the Ministering Organization, or Calling Tree. The bishop then reports to the stake presidency on the condition of members and Church property. This system may also be used to communicate messages from the stake presidency or bishopric. (General Handbook 22.9.1.3)

Media:

During an emergency, the stake president oversees public information that is released locally by the Church. (General Handbook 22.9.1.3)

  Communications:

·         The easiest available method of communication should be used at all times. Methods to consider: Telephone, Cellular Telephone, Text Messaging, Email, FRS Radio (Family Radio Service), HAM Radio, CB Radio, Runner/Messenger.

·         The Chester Ward Communication Specialist should be able to communicate via HAM Radio to the Stake Center. Stake Center Communication Specialists can then disseminate information to stake leadership or 911 via radio communications.

Communication Methods

Short wave radio

         Rexburg Bench Repeater (HAM)    146.700 Mhz Rexburg Local Repeater (Stakes to 911) 

         Relay Ridge Repeater (HAM)    146.940 Mhz IF North and Teton Basin Info

         Radio to Radio (HAM)     146.520 Mhz Simplex--Wards to Stake

         Church Repeater      146.880 Mhz

         ChurchHF   75 meter 3.877


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Family Radio Service (FRS)

         FRS/GMRS (Talkabout) Radio channel 1 code I

Other Methods

         CB channel 9

         Cellular Telephones (Very Limited in Disasters)

         Texting (If Possible)

         KBYR 91.5 FM-This is the official Madison County Emergency Radio Station

 

Emergency Materials & Service List (and Resource Database):

This list is not included in this plan; however, a copy of this list is to be kept in the Ward Clerks Office.

 

Initial Contact and assessment (Reverse 911 or Calling Tree):

A member of the Bishopric, will initiate a reverse 911 call to every family unit in the ward. Based upon responses (or no responses) from family units, a prioritized list will be generated to contact and deploy assistance to ward members. A Calling Tree may also be utilized.

 

Ward Calling Trees are created by grouping ward families, usually by common geographic locations. Each group would include one or two “leaders” who would contact their group to assess family needs. Each of these leaders would then contact the Elder’s Quorum President or Ward Communications Specialist and report on their assessments. The Elder’s Quorum President/Ward Communications Specialist then updates the Bishop.

Follow-up calls or visits will be made by the Priesthood quorum and Relief Society to address the needs of those families with issues.

The EQ President and Relief Society President can use the Ward Resources Database to determine who might be able to assist the families.


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Appendix A: Responsibility According to Calling

 

Depending upon the urgency and complexity, each Ward Council calling in the church has a correlating responsibility in the event of an emergency. Below are listed a variety of needed responsibilities with the correlating calling assigned to fulfilling the responsibility.

 

 

Responsibility

Calling

Incident Commander/Supervisor: Supervise implementation of stake and ward emergency plans, Authorize the use of the Bishop's Storehouse, Deseret Industries, and LDS Social Services when appropriate; Liaison with

local governmental agencies

Bishop

Operations--Set up of Shelter/ Command Center:

Set up Command Center and Shelter for optimal

use, obtain generator if needed, label building rooms as needed.

First Counselor

Logistics--Storehouse / Social Services: Assist in assessing the needs of members and arrange for assistance through the immediate family, local ward members, Church Welfare Services, and government agencies.

Second Counselor

Communications:

Assist the Communications Specialist in setting up two way radios and establishing communications links with other buildings, assist in logging communications and delivering messages.

Ward Executive Secretary

Emergency Supplies:

Report to Communications Specialist. Locate supplies needed during and immediately after an emergency such as building materials, carpentry tools, medical supplies etc.

Ward Clerk

Food Preparation:

Arrange for procuring, preparing, and distributing food to members unable to provide for themselves. Prepare and serve food at shelters ensuring proper sanitation.

Ward Relief Society President

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Food Preparation:

Arrange for procuring, preparing, and distributing food to members unable to provide for themselves. Prepare and serve food at shelters ensuring proper sanitation.

Ward Relief Society President

Work Assignments:

Coordinate work assignments for volunteers coming from outside the stake or ward boundaries. Assist in coordinating extra assistance from ward members beyond that available from family and ministers. Work with Ward Clerk in procuring emergency supplies.

Elder Quorum Pres.

Medical Care:

Arrange for the medical care of those in need during an emergency. This care can be given by coordinating with experienced medical care givers living within the stake or ward boundaries.

Ward Young Women President

Sanitation:

Arrange for portable toilet faculties if the sewer system is unusable. Arrange central location for collection of trash if normal collection series are interrupted. Arrange for water trucks to deliver

water to central location for washing and cleaning.

Stake I Ward Mission Leader

Housing:

Arrange for shelter for those in need during and after an emergency. Arrange for bedding and

sleeping areas at shelters.

Ward Sunday School President

Security:

Ensure church buildings are secure after an emergency. Assist in providing security to member homes and church building to discourage looting.

Provide general security at shelters.

Ward Young Men President

Transportation:

Mobilize resources as need-Food, generators,

tents, water, snowmobiles, tractors, communications equipment etc.

Ward Mission Leader

Recreation/Child Care/Nursery:

Plan and supervise the care of young children when parents are dealing with emergency situation either as victims or when offering assistance.

Organize recreational activities for adults and

youth to ease tensions. Staff shelter Child Care/Nursery.

Ward Primary President

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Public Information:

Information flowing from the Church to the Media is to be delivered by the Stake President or his designee.

Stake President

Social/Emotional Needs:

Find sources of emotional support for those affected by emergencies. Organize social activities; coordinate with the Primary President to encourage a sense of togetherness in the face of disaster.

1st Counselor Elder's Quorum

 

 

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Appendix B: Emergency Assessment Report (make copies)

Emergency Assessment Report (SAMPLE)

Date_________________________ Time___________________________

Location______________________________________________________________________

Description____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

­_____________________________________________________________________________

 

Ward Status               Date/Time      Person            Injured             Deaths            In Need

Area 1                         _________      ___________  _________      ________        ___________

Area 2                         _________      ___________  _________      ________        ___________

Area 3                         _________      ___________  _________      ________        ___________

Area 4                         _________      ___________  _________      ________        ___________

Area 5                         _________      ___________  _________      ________        ___________

Area 6                         _________      ___________  _________      ________        ___________

Area 7                         _________      ___________  _________      ________        ___________

Area 8                         _________      ___________  _________      ________        ___________

                                    _________      ___________  _________      ________        ___________

                                    _________      ___________  _________      ________        ___________

                                    _________      ___________  _________      ________        ___________

                                    _________      ___________  _________      ________        ___________

Building Status

Chester Pavilion________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Ashton Stake Center_____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________
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Appendix C: Family Unit Needs

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Appendix D: Family Unit Needs Event Log (one sheet per family)

Family Unit Needs

Family__________________________ Needs/Actions__________________________________

Event Log

Date/Time       Event/Action

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

___________  __________________________________________________________________

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Appendix E: Critical Contact Information

Date Updated: November 2017

Calling/Name

Home Phone

Cell Phone

Address

Stake President: Shawn Dye

 

208-390-6437

3400 Eagle Ave, Island Park, ID

1st Co.: Jim Hawkes

208-652-3504

208-351-3504

634 N 3900 E Ashton, ID

2nd Co.: Jared Morrison

 

208-221-2157

566 N 4600 E Ashton, ID

Date Updated: December 2023



Calling/Name

Home Phone

Cell Phone

Address

Bishop: J. Fillerup

 

703-479-6551

760 N 3000 E, Chester, ID

1st Co: R. Berkheimer

 

707-628-1851

3074 E. Cemetery Rd, Chester, ID

2nd Co: B. Grover

 

208-313-2399

3072 E 800 N, Chester, ID

EQP: J. Day

 

208-313-1529

925 N 2925 E, St. Anthony ID

RSP: P. Albaugh

 

208-351-3123

PO Box 141, Chester, ID

SS: R. Green

 

208-206-4582

PO Box 236, Chester ID

YWP: L. Brown

 

801-682-7519

730 N 3000 E, Chester, ID

Pri Pres: A. Hansen

 

208-206-8503

746 N 3000 E, Chester, ID

WML: Wes Owens

 

 

3070 E 800 N, Chester ID

Wd. Clk: Z. Smith

 

918-513-2550

830 Hidden, Chester ID

Ex. Sec: D. Curr

 

208-709-1959

795 N 2900 E, Chester ID


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Appendix F: Special Skills and Equipment

         Generally, all areas in the Chester ward boundaries include members with heavy duty, large farming and materials handling equipment. Additional attention is needed to identify members who are willing to use equipment in the event of emergency. However, this has not been an issue in past situations.

 

         Refer to the associated Ward Resource spreadsheet for additional information regarding a list of those who have special skills and/or equipment


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Appendix G: Actions for Individual Families – if you don’t have them

Work on your Food Storage

72-Hour Kits/Survival Kits (we can provide you with a checklist)

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Assess heating sources (non-electric)

            Firewood for wood-burning stoves/fireplaces

            Propane heaters (Buddy heaters)

            Generators for individual households

Sand bags (you can get sand bags from Fremont County (Keith Richey)

As a family, map out a floorplan of your house and determine what to do in disaster situations

            Fire – what are the exits, what are you going to take with you (if time)

            Earthquake – where to take shelter if you are in the house

            Extreme cold – determine how to close off parts of your house to conserve heat. Live in only necessary portions of the house.

– Beginning in 2024 we will hold firesides/workshops to assist members in building up their food storage and other topics like gardening and canning, taught by experts in our ward

This Ward Plan is a living document. In the future more detail will be added that includes information like:

            Disaster Profiles – characterize each possible disaster we might experience, and what      items would be affected (Food, Drinking Water, Cooking, Physical Safety, Shelter and    Clothing, Heating and Cooling, Medical Services, etc.

            Disaster Planning – For each possible disaster, what are the

                        Short Term Needs (0-72 hours)

                        Mid-Term Needs (1-2 weeks)

                        Long Term Needs (2+ months)

            Ward Calling Tree (Geographic areas of the ward with a caller for each area)


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D&C 38:30 – “If Ye Are Prepared, Ye Shall Not Fear”

We are living in the perilous times of the last days as prophesied by many prophets that saw our day. Safety in these difficult yet exciting times comes through following the prophet. We feel that there are important things that we can all do to be better prepared for our glorious future. We have received great counsel from our modern day prophets and apostles to guide us in our preparation. If we prepare we will be of good cheer and be able to help lift others. May we all be prepared to meet the Bridegroom as the five faithful virgins in the parable of the ten virgins.

-     Quote taken from a “Prepare Every Needful Thing” booklet from the Church

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THE END 


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