About Emergency Preparedness

During an emergency, families and individuals rely heavily on the institutions that were constructed to serve the community such as the Fire Department, Police Department, Clinics, Hospitals, Humanitarian Organizations, Food Supply Chains and Disaster Organizations. But what are we to do if these organizations are somehow unreachable for long periods of time or so overwhelmed that they are not able to provide their services to the people

As believers in Christ, the Lord our God did not leave us as sheep without a shepherd. We have in us the Holy Spirit of the Most High God and Elders and Leaders of the Faith. One of the greatest commands the Lord Jesus gave us when He was leaving the world is that we love one another. Christians all over the world, though far apart are one. One in faith, Spirit and fellowship. And when there is need, disaster or peril, we share in these burdens also. We do this by fervent prayer for each other and by lending a helping hand where we can, yes even to the world.

Although some have fallen to scoffing at the warnings in the scriptures, these are indeed the latter times. The last days of all ages. God is eternal and could never be bound by mankind's notion of time. A few thousand years to our God are but a tiny spot on an endless scroll. When the Lord says He is coming soon, He is indeed coming soon. We are living in the end times and the devil, as it is written, knows he has but a short time.

Jeshurun Ministry in obedience to God, seeks to provide recommendations based on scriptural guidelines for Kingdom Living in addition to standard community guidelines from various organizations on preparing for emergency situations. Although disasters may vary in different parts of the world, in the end times, the common will no longer be the common and we must first seek God's guidance to navigate these situations. He is faithful to lead His children through these times of trouble but we must walk in obedience to His word and follow His instructions when He gives them. These will be the times when the fellowship all over the world will have to rely more heavily on each other for strength and charity when the world's systems are in turmoil.

HOW TO PREPARE

The bible teaches us that we should work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Being in right standing with The Almighty enables us to dwell in His presence, live in faith and confidence with God and most importantly, trust His counsel in all things. Believers are urged to put their houses in order and walk upright in holiness before the Lord as He commands then follow practical guidelines to prepare for emergency situations.

It is important to know your area of residence, specifically its vulnerabilities and assets. Secure the contacts for your neighbors and live as good neighbors where possible, lending a hand to each other when needed. Communities will have to work together and stay informed of warnings and hazardous situations. Community leaders should be aware of the elderly, the disabled and the handicapped in the area. Families should look into CPR and First Aid Training so that at least one member of the family can offer some assistance in a medical emergency if the hospital or emergency services are unavailable at the time.

According to the DRA - Disaster Reconstruction Authority here in the Bahamas, the four stages of the disaster management cycle are Mitigation, Preparation, Response and Recovery.

MITIGATION are the actions taken before hand to make an event less severe if it was to occur, such as building a strong home in an area not prone to flooding, or building a flood proof structure at or near a coastal area.

PREPARATION means immediately preparing for an event or disaster when forewarning was able to be received from local officials.

RESPONSE is the actions taken during the event that allows individuals and families to come out of it alive and safe.

RECOVERY is the clean up and rebuilding process for a return to a normal state of function as soon as possible after the event.

We will now look at the practical guidelines of preparation for such emergency situations or natural disasters.

COMING SOON