DisasterManagementandCommunicationsProtocol

Disaster Management
and Communications
Protocol
UMC Philippines
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
DISASTERBASICS
What isa disaster?
Phasesof a disaster:Rescue,Relief,Recovery

BeneficiaryCommunications:
Levelsof Disaster:
Spiritual and Emotional Care of DisasterSurvivors:
DISASTERRESPONSE
Stagesof Disaster
Managementof VolunteersandDonatedGoods
WomeninDisaster:
Young People inDisaster:
MANILA SPECIFICINFORMATION
DAVAOSPECIFICINFORMATION
BAGUIO SPECIFICINFORMATION
DIRECTORY
Internal Contacts
ManilaEpiscopal Area(MEA)
BaguioEpiscopal Area(BEA)
Davao Episcopal Area(DEA)
External Contacts
FORMS ANDCHECKLIST

INTRODUCTION
The Philippines is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. Since 1980, “it
has faced more than 360 disasters, most of which were storms and floods, exacerbated by poor
infrastructure, ineffective policies, and low capability to respond to disasters” (Amador III,
2013). Disaster is defined as “a severe disruption of personal and community life, involving a
significant number of people and causing spiritual, emotional, physical and social crises to
which the Church can respond with God’s love and help” (p. 59, UMCOR Disaster Training
Manual). Along with other natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, the Philippine's
active climate causes many tropical storms and around 19 typhoons, and is responsible for
making the Philippines extremely vulnerable to the effects of disaster. The church serves as
leader in the community and is highly affected during disasters. This protocol will help address
problems frequently encountered and create a system which can stand out in the disaster
community.
During disasters, communications systems are often highly impacted. Past disasters
such as Super Typhoon Yolanda, international name ”Haiyan,” in November 2013 killed more
than 10,000 people and caused an estimated 2.68 billion US Dollars in damage and pointed out
the need for an effective communication system. Typhoon Yolanda destroyed all the
communications towers which both slowed down progress and lead extended hardships.
It is in light of these events and due to natural hazards like typhoons, flooding,
landslides, and other disturbances yearly occurrences in the country, UMC Philippines leaders
created this disaster management and communication protocol. This protocol has been created
with insights from the Manila, Davao, and Baguio Episcopal area. It is the hope that a disaster
reduction plan can be implemented to reduce the impact of disasters in their communities, and
not to rely so much on external assistance during disasters. In addition, this protocol seeks to
establish a ham radio communication systemlinking the District Conferences and the 3
Episcopal Areas on a 24-hours-a-day basis. Central communications base transmitters will be
installed in strategic locations throughout the Philippines. Each district will also have a
handheld of units; so at any given time, it can communicate with any of the other districts. This
protocol provides an organized structure with these components included to guide UMC
Philippines disaster response efforts.

DISASTER BASICS
What is a disaster?
“A disaster is a severe disruption of personal and community life, involving a significant number
of people and causing spiritual, emotional, physical, and social crises to which the church can
respond with God’s love and help. Such disasters may include tornadoes, hurricanes, floods,
earthquakes, fires, toxic poisonings, and other community-wide occurrences. The United
Methodist Committee on Relief seeks to provide relief for acute human needs that might
otherwise go unheeded. This assistance may come in the form of cash allocations, specialized
services, volunteer ministries, or other avenues of mission service”. (p. 59, UMCOR Disaster
Training Manual)
RedCross Definition: A disaster is a sudden event causes a serious disruption in a
community or society by causing human, material, and economic or environmental losses that
exceed the community’s or society’s ability to cope using its own resources. They occur when a
vulnerability population is impacted by a hazard and the community lacks the capacity to
mitigate the effects.
DISASTER = (VULNERABILITY + HAZARD ) / CAPACITY
A hazard is a threatening event, or probability of occurrence of a potentially damaging
phenomenon within a given time period and area. Hazards may or may not be climate related
events that could lead to a disaster. They are natural hazards like earthquakes and manmade
hazard such as traffic accidents and war. Vulnerability can be defined as the diminished
capacity of an individual or group to anticipate, cope with, resist and recover from the impact of
a natural or man-made hazard. It is often linked to poverty but can include other criteria like
the ability of buildings to withstand hazards. Vulnerability also takes into account communities’
preparedness for a disaster with physical material, communication and other infrastructure.
Capacity is the combination of all the strengths, attributes and resources available within a
community, society or organization that can be used to achieve agreed goals. Events are only
considered a disaster if they impact humans. For example, if an earthquake happened in the
Antarctica, it would be considered a hazard not a disaster because the event didn’t affect
humans. The Philippines is more seriously affected by disasters, because of a of lack capacity
and a geographical vulnerable position. According to the Geneva-based Internal Displacement

Monitoring Center, if cyclones of identical intensity were to strike Japan and the Philippines, the
Philippines would have 17 times the death toll.
Phases of a disaster: Rescue, Relief, Recovery
1. Rescue
○ Activated : From time of forewarning until danger of continued destruction is
over
○ Led by: Emergency Management Groups, State and Local Emergency
Management Teams, Fire Department, Law enforcement
○ UMC Role: Pray, donate, and organize supplies need; coordinate with other
agencies for possible UMC evacuation centers and distribution stations; local
church leadership onsite to offer assistants during relief stage; contact UMC
church pastors and council chairperson; offer spiritual and emotional care; the
Bishop's request funds and relief supplies as needed from UMCOR; engage ham
radio system
○ Focus on: Evacuation, search and rescue, actions to stop further destruction
○ Duration: However long it takes
2. Relief
○ Activated: When disaster site has been secured and all rescue operations are
over
○ Led by: Local community leaders; unless wide scale where other local churches
who have capabilities and area wide leaders
○ UMC Role: Pray, donate, and volunteer, work with DRT who will activate and
mobilize trained early response volunteers. In later phases, establish a wide
range of volunteer activities, offer spiritual and emotional care, and establish a
long-term recovery group
○ Focus on: Cleanup, temporary repairs, securing valuables, protecting property
from additional damage, debris removal, putting tarps on roofs, spiritual and
emotional care, food and water supplies, helping with short term solutions
○ Duration: 10 times the length of the Rescue Phase
3. Recovery
○ Activated: When significant clean-up progress has been made and survivors have
begun to formulate their recovery plans
○ Led by: Long term recovery organizations or a coalition of humanitarian
organizations
○ UMC Role: Pray, volunteer, donate, offers spiritual and emotional care

○ Focus on: Repair and rebuilding for long-term solutions
○ Durations: 10 times in length of the Relief Phase
Beneficiary Communications:
Beneficiary communications is a two-way dialogue with communities which can offer timely
information through all stages of a disaster. It will connect UMC and partners programming
with vulnerable people by employing communications to provide and receive information. It is
a mix of both new and old technologies working in concert to allow communicating with
beneficiaries more effective and efficient than ever before. Beneficiary communications covers
the entire spectrum of tools from face-to-face communications and town hall meetings,ham
radio communication, to crowd mapping and SMS messaging.
The UMC is dedicated to a free exchange of information and beneficiary communication will be
key in the effectiveness of this communication protocol.
Levels of Disaster:
Level I Disaster:
A local or localized small disaster affecting one to roughly 30 households (around 5km radius),
such as a toxic spill, explosion, air crash, tornado, or limited flooding. Local pastors advise the
District Superintendent when the relief effort exceeds the local congregation’s resources; the
District Superintendent requests assistance from the Conference Disaster Response
Coordinator.
Level II Disaster (District-wide):
A medium-sized disaster affecting about 30 to 150 homes, which could be caused by localized
flooding, a moderate earthquake or tornado, a small hurricane or tropical storm. Determining
factor for involvement beyond the local church: Is this beyond the ability of the district to
respond? If conference and UMCOR resources are needed, then the district considers this
disaster to be at least a Level II. Local pastors advise the District Superintendent when the relief
effort exceeds the local congregation’s resources; the District Superintendent requests
assistance fromthe Conference Disaster Response Coordinator.
Level III Disaster (Annual Conference Level):
A large disaster which could be caused by widespread and/or long-term flooding, severe
earthquakes, tornados, or hurricanes with significant damage. Disasters of this size in terms of
geography and/or severity are usually declared under a state of calamity by the government.

Disasters at this level require full mobilization of the Annual Conference Disaster Response
Group.
Level IV Disaster (Episcopal Area):
When more than one annual conference is impacted by a disaster. Then the episcopal area will
work with affected areas to access damage and assist where needed. It would be expected that
a number of people in the Episcopal area leadership positions will probably be victims of this
disaster. The entire Episcopal Disaster Response team would be mobilized. Other episcopal
areas will start organizing relief efforts.
Level V (National):
When multiple episcopal areas are impacted by disaster or the severity is so great that an
episcopal area is in need of outside assistance. This level will engage all areas to set up relief
efforts. This level will be elevated to the general church.
Spiritual and Emotional Care of Disaster Survivors:
The church will address the following needs in any disaster:
Spiritual
● Those affected by disaster will ask many difficult questions, some of which may have no
ready answer. Some may ask, “Why did this occur?” “Is this God’s judgment upon us?”
“Are we to blame?” “Must I have done something wrong to deserve this?” “Is this the
work of the devil?” “Is God to blame?” The remark that seems to be most fitting was
one made by a pastor who simply said, “These are things that happen.” There is a lot of
healing in that statement.
● People need to express their emotional response to someone who can listen with
understanding. Additional information can be found in Rabbi Harold Kushner’s book,
When Bad Things Happen to Good People.
● Worship is an important opportunity, focusing on the assurance of God’s love and care.
Liturgical churches need to provide some informal time for individual sharing. Non
Liturgical churches need to provide as much familiar structure in a service as possible.
Special study classes discussing spiritual questions may help.
Emotional
● The church is important in providing a caring presence; it can provide emotional support
and help to re-establish a sense of community.
● Pastors and other trained people with expertise in counseling are always needed in
disasters.

● By being present with those stricken and survivors, the Church provides emotional
support and helps to re-establish a sense of community. People need to know they are
not alone in the crisis.
Physical
● Local churches can provide volunteers at every stage and for many tasks. In addition,
assist in cleanup, reconstruction, and repair
Facilities
● Church facilities can be used for shelters, temporary offices for relief activities, meeting
space, food preparation and/or mass feeding and housing for volunteer workers from
the outside.
Financial
● Whenever a disaster occurs, there is always the need for financial assistance. No matter
how many other relief agencies there are, or how involved the federal government may
be, there are usually needs which remain unmet due to governmental restrictions, lost
opportunities or other reasons. There are always some people who “fall through the
cracks” and have no place to turn, except the Church.
● Very often these are needs do not appear until many of the other relief agencies have
left the area. But the Church remains, and this is the primary reason the Church must be
prepared to deal with disaster not only at the outset, but also for the long haul.
DISASTER RESPONSE
Stages of Disaster
Stage 1: Planning and Preparation – Before Disaster Strikes
Stage 2: Warning – Disaster is Imminent
Stage 3: Emergency Response – After Disaster Strikes
Stage 4: Relief
Stage 5: Long-Term Recovery
❏ Develop a family plan, a church plan, and a neighborhood plan. Be aware of community
agencies and their plans. Working with the pastor or designated church leadership,

identify a Disaster Response Coordinator and recruit a disaster management team. Each
local church should have a disaster response team. Who works with the pastors.
❏ Each local church should have their own organized Disaster Management Team through
the Outreach Committee that is working with the local pastor.
❏ Distribute plan to the District Superintendents, Bishops and other areas
❏ Create partnerships with local agencies as well as relationships with other local leaders
❏ Practice using the ham radios
❏ Keep storage of emergency goods
❏ Create an survival kit with personal hygiene products
❏ Monitor: Check for updates using the official hashtags by PAGASA on Twitter, radio
updates, TV, http://noah.dost.gov.ph/, CDAC Network website, Weather Philippines,
Rappler’s Project Agos, HERO Emergency Frequency 7.095MHz and OCHA’s relief
website for maps, situational reports and other updates related to early warning and
preparedness to respond as well as pre-approved or prepositioned life-saving messages.
❏ Hourly check-ins on Ham Radio disaster frequency
❏ Evacuation: If you must evacuate, take only what you must have in order to survive
(survival kit)
❏ Personal Safety: Protect yourself and your family first. Do not abandon your family for
the sake of the parish. No matter what your level of involvement in disaster response,
you will not be effective if you are not certain of the safety of your household. What
you do for them will be an example for others to follow with regard to themselves, and
their families.
❏ If you know of someone who needs to be evacuated or rescued, notify the local rescue
worker and let them handle the actual evacuation.
❏ Person with Disabilities: Check on elderly and people with disabilities and notify
authorities to make sure that they are being assisted.
❏ Interim Ministry: If there is enough time, gather essentials for ministry, ie. a Bible
(pocket size preferred), Church Directory, maps, disasters plans, portable communion
set, inventory of relief/donated goods, etc. Take only the essentials that will help you
respond with pastoral care and/or disaster-related ministry.
Stage 3: During a Disaster
❏ Don’t panic and stay calm
❏ Stay out of harms way
❏ Don’t try to be a hero. If you are trained be of assistance but don’t risk life
unnecessarily.

❏ Pray and worship
❏ Take all known step for safety (i.e. go to high ground during flood)
Stage 4: Emergency Response –After Disaster Strikes
❏ Take care of yourself and your family
❏ Checking on the safety of the pastors, the staff and their families
❏ Assessing damage to church property
❏ Using information from local emergency service organizations, assess the overall
damage to the community you serve. Then develop a general assessment of the safety
of members of the congregation and property damage within the congregation;
❏ Determine what communication is working
❏ EACH PASTOR should contact the office of their District Superintendent (D.S.) Continue
to keep the office of the D.S. informed as more information becomes available.
❏ If the District Superintendent’s Office cannot be reached, contact the Disaster
Risk Reduction team.
❏ Donation Collection:
❏ Monetary disaster donations should be sent to the bank account of affected
episcopal area.
❏ In kind donations should be sent to a relief operation facility/center pre-
determined by the bishop within the affected episcopal area.
Stage 5: Relief
❏ Establish the immediate needs for food and shelter to the community
❏ Focus on: Food and water supplies, cleanup, temporary repairs, securing valuables,
protecting property from additional damage, debris removal, putting tarps on roofs,
spiritual and emotional care, and helping with short term solutions
❏ Check to see if anyone in your church/s has become a victim. Notify other clergy if you
know of members of their church who are victims.
❏ If a parishioner is a victim, be a presence to that family as you would in any other
emergency. Your presence will provide some comfort.
❏ Offer your services to assist clergy who may be victims or who have many victims
in their parish.
❏ If there is damage in your area, be prepared to take your District Superintendent and/or
your Conference Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinator (DRRC) or designee on a tour. Be
ready to provide either the DRRC person a place they can use as “headquarters” while in
your area.
❏ Keep strict and separate accounting of disaster funding and document all expenditures
and receipts of money.

❏ Report what level of support you can provide incoming disaster workers, particularly if
you cannot support them and they need to be self-sufficient and self-supporting.
❏ Prepare to receive volunteer work teams that may show up to help.
❏ Set up intake systemand identify team leaders for volunteer groups
❏ Stay in contact with humanitarian organization in the area
❏ Find out what kind of aid can be expected and the kinds of bills that will be paid
by the Community of Practice on Community Engagement and UMCOR.
❏ Do not give money to any disaster victim at this stage. Help meet basic needs.
Money given directly at this stage will lower the amount of assistance the
victim(s) will receive from other agencies.
❏ Monetary disaster donations should be sent to the bank account of
affected episcopal area.
❏ Notify the nearest Early Response Team leader. Provide them with a point of contact in
the damaged area.
❏ Depending on capacity, DONATION AND RELIEF DISTRIBUTION CARE OF ASUNCION
PEREZ MEMORIAL CENTER, INC.
Stage 6: Long-TermRecovery
❏ Working with your conference and district Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinators,
determine the level of involvement appropriate for your church in long-term recovery.
❏ Develop a procedure for referrals of people who contact the church asking for
assistance.
❏ Develop a procedure for managing volunteers who contact the church.
❏ Develop a procedure for handling supplies offered to the church. (Care of AAPMCI)
❏ If our church is not in the impacted area, determine the level of involvement our
congregation can make in long-term recovery by providing work teams, supplies, funds,
etc.
❏ When major disasters occur, working with the Community of Practice on Community
Engagement is recommended as a preferred way to work at recovery.
❏ Pray, volunteer, donate, offers spiritual and emotional care
Management of Volunteers and Donated Goods
Volunteers and In-Kind (non-cash) donations will begin to arrive shortly after a major disaster. It
is important that the needs for both volunteers and donated items be well publicized through
disaster updates, conference e-newsletters and other appropriate media. The requests should
include specific information on what materials are needed, as well as a statement that

materials not listed should not be sent. Encourage donors to call and schedule delivery rather
than just showing up to help maintain control of both the type of items being donated and the
quantities received. The following general strategy should be used to handle these volunteers
and donations:
As soon as possible after a disaster, a damage assessment should be completed
including an initial determination of needed resources (volunteers and materials). This
initial resources list WILL change throughout the duration of the recovery, but this will
allow the Incident Coordinator to request needed resources early while the interest in
donating is still high.
Donationof Goods
Prior to requesting in-kind donations a facility should be secured for storage and distribution of
the materials. If in-kind donations will be accepted, the Incident Coordinator should determine
what In Kind (non-cash) donations are needed and what donations can and will be accepted.
This determination should be based upon:
● what items are needed;
● what storage (warehouse) facilities are available;
● the availability of volunteers to manage the receiving, sorting, and distribution of the
materials;
● other factors relevant to the situation.
Each episcopal areas will set up a central location where donation will be collected. Other
episcopal areas should send cash donation in favor of supplies to disasters outside their district.
Cash Donation
A bank account will be set up for each episcopal area.
Volunteers
Much harm has been and can be done by well-intentioned but untrained volunteers. If repairs
are made before insurance and FEMA inspectors visit, the homeowner will be declared
ineligible for financial compensation, because the repairs go beyond the “safe, sanitary, and
secure” requirement. Not only is this a moral issue, but also it puts the congregation, its officers,
and the volunteers who did the work at risk of lawsuit should the homeowner find that is the only
way to get help with the additional costs to redo the work.
Women in Disaster:
to be filled in by a United Methodist women's groups (What role do see women playing and
unique needs should be addressed)

Young People in Disaster:
To be filled in by young people representatives (What role and responsibilities do young people
want to address in disaster response and preparedness)
COMMUNICATIONS
Priority Message: (Official statement or maybe an agreed upon bible quote)
(℅ Bishop Cerrie as the president of the CoB)
Who is communicating what to whom and when?
Entity Roles and Responsibilities Timing
UMCom i.e. warning within 1hr of
being aware
Bishop Get updates from DRT and DS’s. Will monitor all
communications. Flash appeal. Provide presence and
voice of the church to people in the church as well as
the community.
Will coordinate with Asuncion Perez Foundation and
BWW to be included in the flash appeal.
Disaster Response Team
Heads (including Asuncion
Perez, BWW, UMCOR)
Warnings, updates to district about what is happening
on the ground and with relief efforts
Will inform all levels about resources available
several times a
day as soon as
aware of changes
Annual Conference
Leaders (DS, lay leaders,
etc.)
Communicating with local pastors about situation on
ground and relaying information/data to the Bishop
Church Workers Assess the area and provide data to DRT head using
rapid assessment forms
First 72 hours
General Membership (S.O.S) and updates about situations on the ground as As soon as

well as resources available possible
Modes of Communication:
UMC PCC will communicate through a multiple means of communication. In order of priority,
communications should be disseminated via text, Facebook, Ham Radio, email, call. During a
disaster, check all of these regularly, and keep communication equipment charged and near
you at all times.
Questions to Ask:
● What is the current status of the situation?
● What can we expect to occur over the next few hours?
● What can we expect to occur over the next few days or weeks?
● What do we need our congregations to know?
● What do we need the public to know?
Communication Streams
After a Disaster
1. Local Pastor will assess damage
2. Local Pastor will inform their District Superintendent (DS) and contact the disaster
response team if available.

3. DS will contact Bishop (BS)
4. BS will decided recommended course from DS advice
5. If localized disaster, BS office will instruct DS to set up fundraising activities through
local churches (special offering fund and donation in kind)
6. DS will then distribute funds to local church in need
7. If wide scale disaster, BS will instruct DS to collect in a central location under the BS
authority. BS will then send collected resources to affected area. DS will distribute
goods based on his discretion
8. DRT teams will help in the distribution of goods
HAM RADIO
Steps to Participate in Program:
1. Training -> one day of technical training from PARA
2. Testing -> Within a month of training will take test by PARA to become Class C
(Technician Class) licensed hamradio operator
3. Get Licensed- > receive call name
4. Join FaceBook group
5. Create a Humanitarian ID account at humanitarianid.org
6. Sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) -> this document will explain roles and
responsibilities of participating in the program
7. Receive Equipment -> Hamradios are property of UMCom and are given on loan to
program participant who will turn over equipment based on terms outlined in MoU
8. Attend a simulation training -> there will be regular simulation training set up by the
Bishop to help in a practice run in case of a disaster.
9. Maintain equipment and participate in the regular check-in’s
10. Return Equipment -> once the terms of the MoU are over, you will return the
equipment to the proper contact person or purchase your own to continue to be
participate in the hobby and club
Roles and Responsibilities:
● Serve as contact person for church during a disaster
○ This means contacting the bishop regularly during a disaster
● Serve as the liaison for the church as well as humanitarian organizations and the
government during times of disaster
○ Make yourself and serves aware to local government and humanitarian

organization who you will assist during times of disaster
○ Communicate messages of importance to barangay captains and local leaders
who will disseminate the information to the general public
● Follow and respect NTC guidelines and get appropriate licensing for different
frequencies
● Update and maintain contact info on Humanitarian ID
● Maintain the equipment and keep readily available at all times
● Attend regular ham radio check-ins
● During a disaster anywhere in the Philippines which has triggered the ham system to
turn on - participant will keep radio on and near person 24hrs a day
Communication Stream for Ham Radio Response
DISASTER IS IMMINENT
Basics (Quick Tips)
TO BE FILLED IN BY PARA Regularly check your transceiver, power supply, antenna, antenna
tuner, microphone or key.
Troubleshooting
TO BE FILLED IN BY PARA
UMC Ham Radio Orientation Power Point:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10pvyZx1w1pmH_57VgNxNeS8MQFnKNFZJL0KHbmN
HQ0Y/edit?usp=sharing

DISASTERRISK REDUCTION MANAGEMENT TEAM
Purpose:
The Disaster Risk Reduction Management Team is the coordinating body of the United
Methodist Church – Philippines Central Conference for disaster response and management.
This group will respond to both natural and manmade.
Team Roles
Team Head:
This role will be responsible to oversee proper implementation, and management of projects
and resources given to the group. This person will lead the planning and project design. He/she
will also oversee the evaluation of projects. He/She will provide regular updates and work
closely with the Bishops. They will also seek partnerships with UMC organizations and the
greater COP network. This person shall be appointed by the Bishop after a recommendation is
made by ... The desirable qualifications: trained in disaster and emergency response, and
licensed and trained ham radio operator.
Communications:
This person will document all ongoing projects for record keeping purposes, and to use in grants
and funding. This person will work with media to share the stories of work done by the United
Methodist. Also, he/she will keep in contact with UMCom to share stories, successes, and
lesson learns. Will monitor all communication via the ham radios, as well as other
communication streams during a disaster. Will function as a liaison between ham radio
operators and humanitarian partners. Work with the CDAC Network to share best practices.
This person should be a trained and licensed ham radio operator.
Volunteer Management:
This person will be responsible for recruiting and managing volunteers. This person should
know what projects are ongoing and where to send groups of volunteers. This person will work
closely with the team head for deployment of volunteers.
DonationManager:
Depending on capacity, refer to Asuncion Perez the social arm of the PCC UMC. Work closely
with Volunteer Management head for deployment of volunteers for response and relief. Keep
record and receipts of all expenses and donations.
AAPMCI will account to the Disaster Management Council

FINAL REMARKS
This program will need continued support and funding from...... This support and funding will
ensure quality and sustainability of this protocol.
MANILA SPECIFICINFORMATION
● Risks: Earthquake (“the big one”), floods (regular flooding due to high tide, and
occasional flooding due to typhoons and monsoon rains), armed conflicts (Mindoro and
related to Leiban Dam development in Tanay – IP and military), volcanic eruption, high
tide, typhoons, fire (residential and commercial), landslides due to mining and quarrying,
collapse of Angat Dam, displacement due to development projects
● Size of area: 550 churches, 192 mission churches, around 121,000 church members
● Unique: With Manila being the capital and business center of the Philippines, MEA is in a
unique place to create long lasting relationships the COP many of whose offices are in
Manila. MEA also has access to immediate mobilization of government facilities and
other resources.
● Preparations: teach families to prepare survival kits, establish volunteer teams with basic
tools and equipment, conduct regular disaster awareness seminars, trainings, drills
(capacity building), update hazard maps, tie up with COP, LGUs, MMDA, PNRC, long
term plans – tree planting and waste management
DAVAOSPECIFICINFORMATION
● Risk: Armed conflict (Christian v. Muslims; government forces v. rebels; government v.
indigenous people), conversion of forest to farm lands
● Size of Area: 300 churches, around 16,000
● Unique: The Davao Episcopal Area (DEA) has the most islands of all the episcopal area.
DEA also covers the most land mass of all episcopal areas. This slows access to
locations during times of disaster and makes communication difficult during times of
disaster. There are many man-made disasters in DEA. They are also more prone to
drought. Many conflicts area cause and exaggerated by excessive mining and
deforestation (land aggression).
● Preparation: Capacity building, network with other agencies, environmental justice, food
sustainability (community and personal gardens)
● Sources of aid: BALSA Mindanao, USAID, UMCOR, All Hands, European,

BAGUIO SPECIFICINFORMATION
● Risk: Conflicts with New People’s Army (NPA’s), earthquake fault lines, erosion /
landslides/ deforestation, floods, volcano eruption (Pinatubo), forest fires, mining (small
scale and large scale), storm surge
● Size of the Area: 720 churches, 8 annual conferences, 28 districts, 140,000 members
● Mitigation / Prevention: information campaigns, educational awareness, trainings /
employment, public/ private partnerships to guard against mining, have regular
community meeting, environmental programs and protection, have training and drills.
○ Congregation preparedness: basic survival kits and tools
○ Community preparedness:
○ Family preparedness: basically survival kits and tools)
DIRECTORY
Internal Contacts
Manila Episcopal Area (MEA)
Name Designation AC DISTRICT CONTACT Class
April Grace Mercado UMCOM +639209630422
DV1-YIN
Class B
Dan Pedracio DS RPACE Rizal +639272 811661 D class
Eliazer Apostol Bro WMPAC Bataan (047)6330037 C class
Enrico Esguerra DS PAC NWMMD D class
Fernando Jose DS RPACE Metro +639233980158 C class
Francisco Pera DS STPPACE Laguna-Quezon +639273151177 C class
Gilbert Pascua DS MIDPAC Metropolitan NE +639335929918 C class
Gilmartin Guerrero REV PAC Cavite SWCD +639272771620 C class
Harvey Lucena Bro RPACE Metro C class

Jaycee Salangsang DS PAMPAC West Pampanga C class
Jeremiah Gabriel DS BULPAC South Bulacan +639325191171 C class
Joey Umali DS BULPAC North Bulacan +639178380430 C class
Juan L Lurleen C class
Lauren Candelaria Bro SNEPAC SouthEast +639354898873 C class
Mario Baluyot DS PAMPAC East Pampanga +639432154687 C class
Miguel F Riparip C class
Ramon Carlos Bro RPACE Metro C class
Reuel Javier DS BULPAC South Bulacan +639329192160 C class
Rodolfo Juan Bishop MEA C class
Samuelson Jonah Reyes Bro MIDPAC Metropolitan +639153019257 C class
Willie Tolentino REV PamPAC East Pampanga +639085765209 C class
Baguio Episcopal Area (BEA)
Lilibeth A. Balagan DS NEPAC SNVD +63905 790 3120 C
Feliciano M. Biasbas DS CLPAC NECLD +63908 288 1970 C
Ernani C. Celzo Class B
Jerry P. Dallig DS NWPAC CMD +63939 836 5674 C
Noel Paul P. Erana DS NELPAC MSD +63917 599 9800 C
Erwyn B. Maggay DS NCPAC IND +63921 356 3129 C
Rolly V. Solmerin PTR CLPAC NECLD +63906 106 8614 C
Arnel G. Balagan REV D
Davao Episcopal Area (DEA)

Linkto Contact infoforHam RadiotrainedUMC Members:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KefTdDQQ9aMv5SdGjJ74EYSpEWybIyPc135acDbMfUo/edit?
usp=sharing
External Contacts
Project Noah: http://noah.dost.gov.ph/ (multiy level map for weather)
Rapper Project Agos: http://agos.rappler.com/ (Place to map/find disaster and aid zones)
National Weather Source (PAGASA): http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/
Communicating with Disaster Affected Communities (CDAC): http://www.cdacnetwork.org/
OCHA’s Relief Website: http://reliefweb.int/country/phl (good for general information)
Humanitirain ID: http://humanitarian.id/ (find contact information)
PARA emergency HERO: frequency 7.095MHz
First Responce Radio: FirstResponceRadio.org (emergancy suitcase FM radio)
Fire Chat: App on Google Play or Itunes (way to message other smartphones with app without
need for cell or internet service)
Crowdmap: https://unitedmethodistchurch.crowdmap.com/ (United Methodist Crowdmap)

FORMS AND CHECKLIST
Call log sheets or other forms needed. Pre-written documents such as press releases, initial
announcements and follow-up statements
Stages of Disaster Checklist
❏ Develop a plan
❏ Organized Disaster Management Team
❏ Distribute plan to the District Superintendents, Bishops and other areas
❏ Create partnerships with local agencies as well as relationships with other local leaders
❏ Practice using the ham radios
❏ Keep storage of emergency goods
❏ Create an survival kit with personal hygiene products (See list below for checklist of
items)
❏ Monitor weather and official updates
❏ Turn on and frequently check Ham Radio
❏ Evacuate if advised by officials - notify authorities about all those in need assistance
(elderly, person with disabilities, or those unlikely to evacuate on their own)
❏ Protect yourself and your family first
❏ If there is enough time, gather essentials for ministry, ie. a Bible (pocket size preferred),
Church Directory, maps, disasters plans, portable communion set, inventory of
relief/donated goods, etc. Take only the essentials that will help you respond with
pastoral care and/or disaster-related ministry.
Stage 3: During a Disaster
❏ Stay out of harms way
❏ Stay calm
❏ Don’t try to be a hero. If you are trained be of assistance but don’t risk life
unnecessarily.
❏ Pray and worship

❏ Take all known step for safety (i.e. go to high ground during flood)
Stage 4: Emergency Response –After Disaster Strikes
❏ Determine what communication is working
❏ Take care of yourself and your family
❏ Checking on the safety of the pastors, the staff and their families
❏ Assessing damage to church property
❏ Using information from local emergency service organizations, assess the overall
damage to the community you serve.
❏ Develop a general assessment of the safety of members of the congregation and
property damage within the congregation
❏ EACH PASTOR should contact the office of their District Superintendent (D.S.) Continue
to keep the office of the D.S. informed as more information becomes available.
❏ If the District Superintendent’s Office cannot be reached, contact the Disaster
Risk Reduction team.
❏ Donation Collection:
episcopal area.
Stage 5: Relief
❏ Establish the immediate needs for food and shelter to the community
❏ Focus on: Food and water supplies, cleanup, temporary repairs, securing
valuables, protecting property from additional damage, debris removal, putting
tarps on roofs, spiritual and emotional care, and helping with short term
solutions
❏ Notify the nearest Early Response Team leader. Provide them with a point of contact in
the damaged area.
❏ Check to see if anyone in your church/s has become a victim. Notify other clergy if you
know of members of their church who are victims.
❏ Offer your services to assist clergy who may be victims or who have many victims in
their parish.
❏ If there is damage in your area, be prepared to take your District Superintendent and/or
your Conference Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinator (DRRC) or designee on a tour.
❏ Provide the DRRC person a place they can use as “headquarters” while in your area.

❏ Keep strict and separate accounting of disaster funding and document all expenditures
and receipts of money.
❏ Report what level of support you can provide incoming disaster workers, particularly if
you cannot support them and they need to be self-sufficient and self-supporting.
❏ Prepare to receive volunteer work teams that may show up to help.
❏ Set up intake systemand identify team leaders for volunteer groups
❏ Stay in contact with humanitarian organization in the area
❏ Find out what kind of aid can be expected and the kinds of bills that will be paid by the
Community of Practice on Community Engagement and UMCOR.
❏ Depending on capacity, DONATION AND RELIEF DISTRIBUTION CARE OF ASUNCION
PEREZ MEMORIAL CENTER, INC.
episcopal area.
Stage 6: Long-TermRecovery
❏ Working with your conference and district Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinators,
determine the level of involvement appropriate for your church in long-term recovery.
❏ Develop a procedure for referrals of people who contact the church asking for
assistance.
❏ Develop a procedure for managing volunteers who contact the church.
❏ Develop a procedure for handling supplies offered to the church. (Care of AAPMCI)
❏ If our church is not in the impacted area, determine the level of involvement our
congregation can make in long-term recovery by providing work teams, supplies, funds,
etc.
❏ When major disasters occur, working with the Community of Practice on Community
Engagement is recommended as a preferred way to work at recovery.
❏ Pray, volunteer, donate, offers spiritual and emotional care
Roles Checklist
Local Church Pastor and/orLay Leader and/or Chair of Trustees
1. Access general situation and physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people and affected
area and forward initial assessment (by telephone or by email) to the District Superintendent
and the Conference Disaster Response TeamCoordinator.
Done__________ Date_____________

2. Establish contact with any local community emergency management committees or
agencies as soon as possible.
Done__________ Date_____________
3. Provide specific needs assessment to the District Superintendent (within 24. hours if
possible) of any damage to their church or parsonage.
Done__________ Date_____________
4. Begin seeking local response to needs: general and specific.
Done__________ Date_____________
5. Coordinate relief efforts on the local level.
Done__________ Date_____________
District Superintendent
1. Contact pastor(s) involved and the Conference Disaster Response Coordinator as soon as
possible.
Done___________ Date____________
2. Receive the report of the local pastor(s) and/or Trustees Chair.
Done___________ Date____________
3. Conduct an on-site visit (within 36 hours if possible) sooner if situation allows.
Done___________ Date____________
4. Make initial contact with the Bishop and Conference Director of Connectional Ministries.
Done___________ Date____________
Resident Bishop
1. Conduct an on-site visit of the affected area within 72 hours if possible, sooner if it can be
arranged. An Episcopal presence sends a strong pastoral message of hope and
encouragement and serves as a means of gathering personal information.
Done___________ Date____________
2. Work with the Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, the Director of Connectional
Ministries and the Conference Director of Communications to provide media information
about the disaster response.
Done___________ Date____________
3. Make a request for funds and other resources from UMCOR as needed.

Done___________ Date____________

DisasterManagementandCommunicationsProtocol

Survival Kit Checklist by the Red Cross Philippines
I. WATER
Normally, one can survive without food intake for 5 days as long as there is water intake.
Prepare clean water in clean airtight containers for washing, drinking and cooking:
❏ - 1 gallon (3.78 litres) per person per day [1 ltr for drinking and 3 ltrs for washing]
❏ - Water purification supplies (One purification tablet can purify a liter of water. 1 tablet
per person per day for water purification.)
II. FOOD
❏ - Store only non-perishable food.
❏ - You can put protein/granola bars, dried fruit, crackers, cereals, canned goods like tuna,
beans, sausages, etc. (It is recommended to store easy-to-open cans.)
❏ - In case of hypoglycemia, canned juice or hard sweet candies are recommended (not
gum based or mint).
❏ - Food should be sufficient for three days consumption of every family member.
❏ - Disposable plates and utensils.
III. EMERGENCY TOOLS / GEAR
❏ - Plastic laminated ID card for family member(s) with special concerns. Indicate name,
address, phone, who to call in case of emergency, contact details, the condition of the
bearer and special instructions on what to do in case seen unconscious (e.g. diabetic).
For children who cannot speak, they must also wear the ID card (in case they are
reported missing, anyone who will find them will be able to contact their parents).
❏ - Emergency numbers to call ( Red Cross Chapter, fire station, hospital, etc.)
❏ - Red Cross 143 Emergency / Disaster Guide explaining what to do in various types of
disasters. These should be thoroughly studied and understood before the actual disaster
but must be kept for reference. (Teach all family members how to use it).
❏ - Maps with indication of evacuation sites and routes
❏ - Whistle (This is highly suggested, use a whistle that is loud and has a compass on it.)
❏ - Flashlight with extra batteries (self-powered flashlight is suggested)
❏ - Multi-purpose knife
❏ - Matches or lighter and candles (Do not use matches or candles until you are certain
there are no gas leaks. There are commercially available waterproof matches.)

❏ - AM radio transistor with extra batteries or self-powered (You need to monitor the news
continuously to know the weather condition and any possible threats.)
❏ - Glow sticks
❏ - Plastic sheeting or garbage bag (For floor mats, cover items so as not to get wet, or
use as a rain coat.)
❏ - Heating blankets (thin, easy to carry and warm)
❏ - Ropes (avoid nylon)
❏ - Sleeping bag
IV. PERSONAL EFFECTS AND HYGIENE KIT
❏ - Extra Clothing (Short and long sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.)
❏ - Undergarments
❏ - Antibacterial soap
❏ - Toothbrushes
❏ - Toothpaste
❏ - Hand towels (super absorbent)
❏ - Comb/ hair brush
❏ - Hand sanitizer or alcohol
❏ - Sanitary napkin
V. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS AND MONEY
❏ - Keep these in a plastic envelope.
❏ - Money should be in the form of cash and loose change (in case banks are closed or
electronic banking is not available.)
❏ - Prepaid cards
❏ - List of important information (security insurance number, tax identification number,
driver's license, passport number, bank account details, insurance policy, etc.)
❏ - Passport
❏ - Important legal documents: Birth certificates, marriage contract, insurance certificates,
land titles, etc.
❏ - Other important documents: academic credentials, vaccination records, medical
records, etc.
VI. SPECIAL NEEDS (Of elderly, children, infant or sick member of the family)

❏ - Emergency medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, anti- diarrheal, for cough and
colds, children's medication, etc.)
❏ - Prescription Medication (for 3 days, like anti hypertensive, insulin, etc.)
❏ - Children's food
VII. FIRST AID KIT (Standard)
The risk of accident or emergency cannot be taken for granted. It is important to be prepared.
Always have a first aid kit on hand. First Aid is a life saving skill. Once you know how to apply
first aid correctly, you can help save lives. Call the Philippine Red Cross National Headquarters
or the local Chapters for the following First Aid Kit items:
❏ 1 Adhesive Strips (Pk50)
❏ 1 Hypo - Allergenic medical tape 1.25cm x 9.1m
❏ 1 Conforming Bandage 5cm
❏ 1 Triangular Bandage 110cm x 110cm
❏ 1 Wound Dressing No. 15
❏ 2 Swabs Antiseptic
❏ 1 Tweezers metal 8cm
❏ 1 Scissors disposable
❏ 1 Safety pins – assorted (pk12)
❏ 1 Plastic Bags - resealable - 100 X 180 mm
❏ 1 Plastic Bags - resealable - 150 x 230 mm
❏ 2 Gloves - disposable
❏ 1 First Aid Quick Reference Guide
Sources:
CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS PLAN- http://www.ready.gov/business/implementation/crisis

PnW DIsaster Protocol
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sksMM6v6IYaaFPEN6cEYuE0_l0GrRP4iwKALAFHoBVs/e
dit?usp=sharing
Designing an Effective Disaster Preparedness & Response Programme by SMART->
http://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Designing-an-
Effective-Disaster-Preparedness-Response-Programme.pdf
UM disater plan-> http://www.fumcsantarosa.org/book/export/html/7005
Great Planes disaster plan:
http://www.greatplainsumc.org/files/disaster_response/2014greatplainsdisasterresponsepolic
yandplan.pdf
Philippines National Disaster response plan:
http://www.ndrrmc.gov.ph/attachments/article/41/NDRRM_Plan_2011-2028.pdf
Ham Radio Training Powerpoint:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10pvyZx1w1pmH_57VgNxNeS8MQFnKNFZJL0KHbmN
HQ0Y/edit?usp=sharing

DisasterManagementandCommunicationsProtocol

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