Emergency Response
When local resources are strained or nonexistent, the church stands ready to provide short-term, life-sustaining resources such as food, water, shelter, and clothing, as well as medical, school, and hygiene supplies.
For more information visit Latter-day Saint Charities
Pacific Area Emergency Response Process
Review our Pacific Area Emergency Response process – communication plan.
Stake and Ward Emergency Plan Templates
Ward and stake councils may use these templates and guides to create or update their emergency response plans. These plans should be brief and simple and are most effective when coordinated with community plans. Ward and stake leaders may consider calling welfare specialists to assist with emergency response efforts. Councils should review and update the plans regularly. To view resources go to Stake and Ward Emergency Plan Templates.
Home and Family Emergency Preparedness
Families are encouraged to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings. Resources and helpful advice for preparing Food Storage and Family Finances are available online.
Emergency Mental Health Services during and after a crisis
LDS Family Services provides emergency mental health services in consultation with Church leaders to help members and others during and after a crisis. Services are designed to reduce suffering and strengthen emotional, physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. These services include:
- Consultation and Assessment
- Consultation with Church leaders about ways to foster social-emotional and spiritual self-reliance and resilience among Church members in time of crisis.
- Assistance to local Church leaders in conducting social-emotional and temporal needs assessments among their members.
- Crisis Intervention and Counseling
- Educational and emotionally therapeutic services for individuals and groups.
- Education and activities for families and others to meet the needs of children and people with special needs.
- Therapeutic individual and group interventions (such as debriefings) with emergency responders and others, as requested.
- Assistance to local leaders in providing supportive environments, such as respite centers and emergency shelters.
- Other counseling support services, as requested.
- Resource Development and Referral
- Assistance to local leaders in identifying, developing, and training in appropriate Church and community resources to provide immediate and ongoing support.
- Referrals of Church members and others to identified resources.
Refer to Family Services in the Pacific Area for services and support in your area