The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives has contacted more than 1,000 ministers and leaders of faith-based organizations and encouraged them to include preparedness materials in their bulletins and newsletters, post preparedness information at their houses of worship, and speak to their congregations on the need to be prepared for natural and man-made disasters.

Fostering awareness in congregations about potential hazards and having a plan set in place can save time, resources, money and lives, said Sydney Hoffman, the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.  “Religious leaders play an important role in their communities and can help spread the message about the importance of being prepared for disasters,” Hoffman said.  “Be Ready Sunday is a way of raising awareness of the importance of that role.”

Resources specifically designed for faith-based organizations can be downloaded at the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives’ website, www.ServeAlabama.gov . This site provides information on steps to develop a family disaster plan, a Church Disaster Preparedness Checklist, as well as a printable bulletin insert for “Be Ready Sunday.” 

All religions are being asked to participate in this special preparedness program, no matter what day they gather for worship, and to adapt the material for their use.

Earlier this month, Governor Riley, the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and the Alabama Department of Homeland Security hosted “Be Ready Day” in Huntsville.  The event provided education and training resources to help citizens become better prepared for disasters and emergencies.