Be Prepared: Faith Communities
Faith communities play an important role in the Palo Alto community. They serve as cultural, educational, social, and religious centers. They also play a crucial role in emergency preparedness and response. “When a disaster strikes, the initial services provided may not come from government, but rather from churches, synagogues, mosques, and other faith-based and community organizations.” W. Craig Fugate, Former FEMA Administrator.
Palo Alto’s Office of Emergency Services recommends all faith communities prepare in three ways: Stay Informed, Get Prepared, and Get Involved.
Stay Informed
We provide multiple options to receive public information warnings and emergency alerts. Contact us or stay connected if you're interested in being aware of what is happening around you. Sign up for alerts, stay connected, contact us.
Be Prepared
- Create an individual and family preparedness kit for both home and away.
- Work with your community and the Office of Emergency Services to develop an emergency response plan. There are many different formats to choose, varying in length and detail.
- Some faiths have published resources on emergency preparedness - see our Be Prepared: By Faith resources below. You may also use FEMA’s faith based preparedness guidance to create a plan for your house of worship.
- Consider your faith’s practices on emergency response. It can bring emergency preparedness to a spiritual level, and create interest in the community to participate.
- Identify specific hazards to your facility to address in your plan.
- Inform community members and regularly practice your house of worship emergency plan.
- Utilize the Office of Emergency Services emergency preparedness resources to guide and assist your planning.
Get Involved
There are many ways to get you and your faith-based community involved in keeping the Palo Alto community prepared.
To get involved consider the following
Be a community asset to Palo Alto and its residents in a city-wide emergency
- Be a Palo Alto community resource by completing a Faith Based Organization Letter of Intent(PDF, 419KB). This document does not bind your organization in any way. It indicates your willingness to assist in tasks, such as stockpiling medical equipment, distributing supplies, offering shelter, and more.
- Find your Neighborhood Preparedness Coordinator for information on citywide preparedness drills: email epvolunteers@paneighborhoods.org or
- Work with other local faith leaders near your facility to coordinate emergency preparedness plans, activities, or drills.
Be Prepared: By Faith - In Alphabetical Order
We have compiled a list of preparedness resources by faith to get you started.