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Disaster Response

Florida-Bahamas Synod Disaster Response & Preparedness

Congregations proclaim the gospel in many ways in the community in which they live: worship, vision planning, social ministry, youth programs and much more. When a crisis or disaster arises and God’s people are hurting and scared, God gives us the gift to share the hope and promise of new life in the midst of devastation. The Office of the Bishop has the responsibility to shepherd and resource rostered leaders and congregations in times of disaster.

The Florida-Bahamas Synod and the Office of the Bishop will work with local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as ecumenical and civic disaster response groups to mitigate risk and provide quick and effective disaster response. The bishop administers the response through the Disaster Response Director, Stephen Garcia.

The call of God motivates the church to reach into the world, to be full participants in the community, and to care for the earth with all its creatures. When something happens in our community, our neighbors will be knocking on our doors whether or not we are prepared to step up to the needs. It also makes sense to be prepared to care for the people, buildings, information, programs, networks and other resources that are important to us and our community.

How to prepare for a disaster

The Florida-Bahamas Synod and Lutheran Disaster Response have prepared specific documents that outline steps in detail.

Preparation for Congregations:

Who to Contact

Disaster Response Procedures
  1. In the event of severe weather, the Office of the Bishop, specifically, the Disaster Response Director, will coordinate emergency response through Conference Deans. The Office of the Bishop will communicate via email and social media.
  2. In the event a Tropical Storm Watch or a Hurricane Watch is issued by the National Weather Service, the Disaster Response Director will communicate to all Deans in the watch area within the next 48 hours. Deans in Conferences within the watch area will be expected to contact all congregations in their Conference and advise them to prepare their properties as appropriate
  3. In the event a Tropical Storm Warning or a Hurricane Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, the Disaster Response Director will communicate to all Deans within the warning area within the next 24 hours. Deans in Conferences within the warning area will be expected to contact all congregations in their Conference and advise them to complete storm preparations and immediately leave the threatened area if so, directed by area officials.
  4. Within 8 hours after a Tropical Storm or Hurricane has impacted an area, the Disaster Response Director will schedule a conference call for all Deans to assess impact, damage and for those unaffected, to assess ability to respond.
  5. The Bishop, the Disaster Response Director, and deans, will visit the affected areas as soon as practical.
  6. Garcia will be in communication with the bishop, deployed staff, and Deans to address the immediate needs and the most effective ways to shepherd and resource rostered leaders and congregations.
  7. Deans and contact persons in affected areas should continue to provide regular updates to Rev. Rob Rose at robr@fbsynod.org.
  8. Garcia l will coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as Lutheran Disaster Response, the Florida VOAD and Volunteer Florida to identify the most appropriate and effective responses and responsibilities.
  9. Volunteers will be coordinated through the Disaster Response Director.
State Organizations

How to Donate

  • To the Florida-Bahamas Synod Disaster Response fund, specifically designating “Disaster Response’ by mail: 

                     Florida-Bahamas Synod 

                     3838 West Cypress Street 

                     Tampa, FL 33607  

  • Or through secure online contributions via our website fbsynod.comClick HERE to give online. 
  • Or tLDR by mail:  

                      Lutheran Domestic Disaster Response 

                      P.O. Box #71764 

                     Chicago, IL 60694-7164   

The following forms are to be used when reporting damage from a disaster to the synod office, or when requesting financial assistance.