On Saturday, July 27, The Salvation Army will host a free regional disaster course, titled “Preparing Your Congregation for Disaster,” at its facility on 2410 Allen Road, in Tallahassee.

In response to the last three years of very active hurricane seasons, The Salvation Army of Tallahassee has organized a special disaster course, designed specifically for churches and other faith-based organizations, to train leaders to prepare their members and facilities for an emergency, and how to effectively develop a disaster response plan to serve others.

Explains Lt. Ryan Meo, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army, “Our faith-based community is a strong force multiplier, and we can accomplish great things together. Only by training and preparing ourselves and our congregations can we ensure that our communities remain strong, resilient, and have the ability to assist our neighbors in need.” Lt. Meo urges every faith-based organization to designate members of its organization to attend this very important training, which is available for the first time in our area.

Designed for Faith Based leaders, this course is designed for churches and other places of worship looking to start a disaster preparedness and response program. The course reviews key concepts in emergency management. It also examines the responsibility of faith-based organizations in preparing their members and facilities for an emergency and how to effectively develop a disaster response plan to serve others.

As part of the faith-based community around the globe, The Salvation Army relies on the partnerships and relationships in each community to fulfill their mission. Their international Emergency Disaster Services program provides an opportunity to meet not only the basic needs of disaster survivors around the globe, but to provide critically needed Emotional and Spiritual Care to those who need to restore their faith after a disaster.

Preparing Your Congregation for Disaster will be held from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm on Saturday, July 27. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all participants. To register for the course, visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org