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Disaster ResponseStandard Operating

Guide Society of St. Vincent de Paul —

Diocesan Council of Austin

March 2016

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2 SSVDP Disaster Response May 5, 2023

Table of ContentsUsing This Document..................................................................................................5Overview and Purpose................................................................................................6Society of St. Vincent de Paul Disaster-Response Programs......................................7Preparing to Respond.................................................................................................8Disaster Response Roles and Responsibilities..........................................................10Self Care During Disasters........................................................................................13Awareness and General Safety.................................................................................15Training....................................................................................................................20Reference Material...................................................................................................21Abbreviations and Definitions...................................................................................29Record of Changes...................................................................................................30

May 5, 2023 SSVDP Disaster Response 3

PrefaceThere are myriad emergency situations that will call for you to assist a neighbor in need. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVDP) provides disaster assistance to individuals and families who are confronted with fire, flood, or other challenges including short-term assistance for utilities and food. The Society also offers disaster-relief services during widespread disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes.SSVDP has long been active in disaster relief across the Austin Diocese, which encompasses 25 counties and is comprised of 41 parish-based conferences. It responded to the widespread flooding in Austin in 2014 and again in 2015 when the disaster area included Taylor, Wimberley, and San Marcos. Disaster assistance was also provided in Bastrop and Smithville in 2011 and again in 2015 in response to the devastating wildfires. The Society was also majorly involved in disaster-relief efforts after the April 2013 fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas.In the face of extreme fear and uncertainty, Vincentians can step in and provide the compassion, generosity, and spiritual support to all looking for light in their darkest moments.This document is intended to provide guidance, establish protocols, identify tasks, and organize responsibilities in an efficient and effective manner necessary to carry out the response to our neighbors in need during and after disasters and emergencies.This standard operating guide (SOG) allows for modification and flexibility of any methods, operations, or actions needed to accomplish emergency-response objectives.


Using This DocumentThis section explains where to find additional topics in this document.

This document is not designed to be read from cover to cover. Use this page to quickly find the information you need.

Find guidance on carrying out SSVDP programs here. 12

Find a list and map of the counties within the Austin Diocese here. 21

Find a description of the Disaster Declaration Process here. 23

Read about some of the programs available after a Disaster Declaration here. 23

Find examples of commonly used SSVDP forms here. 25

Turn here for Diocesan Council contacts. 28

Find a list of Conference contacts here. 28


Overview and PurposeThis document outlines disaster preparedness and response activities and responsibilities.

A successful disaster response relies on personal and overall SSVDP preparedness and the ability to support its neighbors in the surrounding community. This document defines standard operating guidance to SSVDP members during emergencies.

GoalProvide the SSVDP Diocesan Council of Austin and conferences guidance to coordinate, communicate, and effectively respond during emergencies impacting their neighbors and offices.

Objectives Provide SSVDP member-specific responsibilities. Explain standard disaster-response procedures. Explain the big picture of disaster response activities.

Audience SSVDP Diocesan Council of Austin SSVDP Conferences SSVDP Volunteers

Planning Assumptions Conferences will be overwhelmed by requests for assistance during widespread

disasters. Some disasters are slow to develop, while others occur without warning. During times of multiple, ongoing disasters, volunteer fatigue will set in. In many cases, volunteer supply will be limited. Not all conferences will have adequate resources on hand to be able to quickly and

effectively respond to requests for assistance.


Society of St. Vincent de Paul Disaster-Response ProgramsThis section summarizes SSVDP disaster-response programs.

Below is a list of current programs offered through the Society for disaster survivors. These programs may change. All attempts will be made to keep all conferences informed of new programs that arise during a disaster response.

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store VouchersThis program offers vouchers to select disaster survivors allowing them to purchase clothing at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store.

House in a Box™This program supplies disaster survivors with critical items to furnish a home. SSVDP works with 121 Giving, a national organization that researches retailers to find discounted prices on new items to be provided to survivors of major disasters.

Temporary Lodging SupportThis program provides short-term motel stays to displaced disaster survivors.


Preparing to Respond This section provides checklists of things to consider to ensure you’re ready to respond to a disaster.

There are three categories of disasters that SSVDP could respond to: isolated, moderate, and widespread.An isolated disaster is one that impacts one individual or family, such as a house fire.A moderate disaster is one that impacts multiple households in the same area such as an apartment complex, a duplex, or a couple of houses.A widespread disaster is one that impacts multiple communities in a city, possibly extending beyond the city and county.When a widespread disaster occurs, conferences should be prepared and open to receiving requests from individuals, other conferences, the Diocesan Council, and other organizations including Catholic Charities and the American Red Cross. The Conference should look to the Diocesan Council for assistance in collaborating with these agencies.To ensure that you are prepared to respond to any size disaster, regularly review the following appropriate checklist:

Conference PresidentConference President Preparedness Checklist

Know and understand your surrounding community.Ensure you have or know how to access SSVDP disaster-response forms.Request/take necessary training to carry out your conference duties during a disaster.Ensure conference volunteers all understand their roles and responsibilities and take required training to carry out their tasks during a disaster.Have a back-up person in place in case you are not available to carry out disaster-related tasks.Ensure your volunteer contact list and other emergency contacts are up to date.Have a call-up plan in place for reaching out to volunteers.Ensure your conference office is secure at all times.Secure money, gift cards, and other valuables in a safe place in your conference office.Test telephone and email notifications procedures with your team at least quarterly.


Conference President Preparedness Checklist

Inspect and replenish general office and disaster-response supplies (including first-aid kits) once a month or at some other designated time.Set up and maintain smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in your space. Know how to use the fire extinguishers.Designate a starting amount of funds for use during an emergency.

Conference VolunteerConference Volunteer Preparedness Checklist

Ensure you have the training to fulfill the tasks of your role. During a disaster.Keep your contact information up to date with the conference president.Know and understand your surrounding community.Ensure you have or know how to access SSVDP disaster-response forms.

Disaster Response CoordinatorDisaster Response Coordinator Preparedness Checklist

Know and understand the Diocesan community.Maintain awareness of conference disaster needs, such as supplies and funds.Track disaster expenses.Help conferences assess office safety and security.Maintain relationships with other voluntary organizations active in disaster (VOADs) and other appropriate disaster-response entities.

Diocesan CouncilDiocesan Council Preparedness Checklist

Support conferences in training/education needed to carry out their duties.Maintain relationships with VOADs.Develop and maintain disaster response relationships with Diocese of Austin, Catholic Charities, and other emergency-response agencies.


Disaster Response Roles and ResponsibilitiesThis section explains actions to take during a disaster response.

Disasters can happen at any time of the day or night.When you are contacted by an individual requesting assistance, set up a time to meet with them, preferably at their home. If that is not possible, meet then in some other public place to visit with them to assess their needs and provide immediate help. Always meet the individual as a team. Never meet the individual alone. This help could include the standard $300 for someone who has suffered a house/apartment fire, gift cards for groceries or home repairs, bus passes, vouchers for the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, or assistance with a few nights in a motel until they can make other living arrangements.If your conference becomes overwhelmed with requests that cannot be addressed within a few days, please reach out to neighboring conferences, the Disaster Response Coordinator, or the Diocesan Council. Always keep the Diocesan Council and your District President informed of any disaster with which you are dealing.If your conference runs low on the ability to provide financial assistance to someone, please reach out to your District President, to neighboring conferences or make a request to the Diocesan Council by filling out the Disaster Assistance Request Form (A copy of this form is in the back of this document and on the Diocesan Council website at http://www.ssvdp.org/vincentians/.

Disaster Response ChecklistsPlease review the following checklists for your role’s responsibilities during a disaster response.

Conference PresidentConference President Disaster Response Checklist

Coordinate and brief volunteers on the disaster situation before they respond to disaster requests and schedule home visits.Ensure appropriate forms are available to provide to your volunteers.Ensure ample emergency supplies are on-hand (bus passes, gift cards, vouchers, etc.)Ensure you have a replacement lined up to take over for you, when needed, to maintain a functional office during high-volume disaster requests.Collaborate with all your officers so that all the burden does not fall on one person.


http://www.ssvdp.org/vincentians/

Conference VolunteerConference Volunteer Disaster Response Checklist

Conduct home visits with a fellow Vincentian.Maintain contact with Conference officers, especially the Conference President and Disaster Coordinator to see if any additional tasks need to be attended to during the response to a disaster.

Disaster Response CoordinatorDisaster Response Coordinator Disaster Response Checklist

Remain on standby to provide support to conferences.Maintain contact with Diocesan Council on needs and events happening at the Conference level. Provide regular situation reports to Diocesan Council.Attend/participate in disaster response conference calls with the American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations active in disaster (VOADS), and city/county disaster response workers.Provide guidance to conferences handling high volumes of disaster-response requests.Contact the appropriate conference to request disaster support for survivors.Along with the treasurer and Conference President, track disaster-fund spending.Communicate with other disaster-response organizations as needed.Visit disaster sites to size up situations and provide support to Vincentians as needed.Maintain awareness of recovery efforts.Work with Diocesan Council to oversee House in a Box™ and other SSVDP disaster-response programs.

Diocesan CouncilDiocesan Council Disaster Response Checklist

Remain on standby to provide support to conferences.Provide Conference support for House in a Box™Provide information for additional resources to Conferences as they become available.Maintain relationships with VOADs and other agencies.


Guidance for the Following ProgramsSt. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store VouchersThis program offers vouchers to select disaster survivors allowing them to purchase clothing at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. These vouchers are available through the thrift store. For more information, please contact Paul Kleypas or his designee.

House in a Box™This program is designed for use in widespread disasters (mass flooding, wildfires). Please work with the client to fill out the House in a Box™ voucher, selecting the number of items needed from the inventory provided on the form. Keep a copy of the form and provide a copy of the form to the Diocesan Council Office. In times of disaster, someone at the Diocesan Council Office will be designated to place the order when a minimum number of requests have been made. Ordering and receipt of the requested items can take a couple of weeks up to a few months depending on demand.When the items arrive, you will be notified. Arrangements can be made with the client for them to pick up their items at a designated location.If you are assigned the responsibility of establishing a House in a Box in your community, please reach out to the Conference Support Director for set-up procedures.

Temporary Lodging SupportIf a person has been displaced from their home by a fire, the standard amount to offer them is $300 to cover lodging for a short time until they can sort out housing. The client can also use these funds to pay for food and clothing or to meet other basic needs.Please make a note of this assistance, and any other assistance provided to the client, on the Disaster Relief Assistance Report when you submit it to the Diocesan Council.


Self Care During DisastersThis section presents information on taking care of yourself during and after a disaster response.

When we’re so focused on taking care of others during and after major disasters, it’s very easy to lose focus on ourselves and our needs.Being exposed to people who are in shock, who are confused, full of anxiety, and grief after a disaster and hearing stories of their catastrophic losses can take its toll on you over time. It will be necessary to take steps to watch yourself and others in your group ensuring everyone’s emotional and spiritual well-being.

Remember It’s normal to feel anxious about yourself and your family’s safety following a

disaster. Feelings of sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions to disasters. Acknowledging your feelings will help you recover. Everyone has a different way of coping with disaster. No one who sees a disaster is untouched by it.

Signs someone might need psychological first aid:It is important to observe a person’s behavior—how they’re acting, what they’re saying or not saying. Below are a few warning signs:

Difficulty communicating thoughts Difficulty sleeping Easily frustrated Difficulty concentrating Feelings of hopelessness Mood swings Poor work performance Easily distracted Headaches Colds or flu-like symptoms Increased use of drugs or alcohol Reluctance to leave home Disorientation or confusion Crying easily

What you can do for emotional and spiritual help: Make sure to open up to someone about your feelings surrounding your disaster

exposure/experience. This person could be someone you work with, a counselor, priest, family member, or anyone you feel comfortable opening up to.

Use existing support groups of family, friends, and church.


Maintain a normal household and daily routine, or adjust your routine as needed to ensure you get enough rest, exercise, and that you eat regularly.

Spend time with family and friends. Participate in memorials, rituals, and use of symbols as a way to express feelings. Consider therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

(EMDR) therapy. This helps manage and relieve many types of psychological stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you do not already have one, establish a personal/family emergency plan. This will help you feel that there is something you can do in case of future disasters. It can provide comfort and peace of mind.


Awareness and General SafetyIn this section, you will find general information on how to keep yourself and your conference office prepared and safe.

Access Control and SecurityIt’s important to keep personal and conference valuables secure while in the office and when away from the office.

Consider having a fireproof and waterproof lockbox to hold conference valuables. Maintain an access log for the lockbox. Be aware of unauthorized people loitering near the office. Consider a security camera for the office. Schedule to have at least two people in the office during regular office hours. Keep the office door locked when you do not have anyone scheduled to visit the

office. Ensure the exterior of the office has adequate lighting. Ensure landscaping does not create hiding spaces for anyone.

Be Red Cross ReadyThis is a list of recommendations from the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/be-red-cross-ready) to help ensure that you and your family are best prepared to face disasters.

Know what emergencies or disasters are most likely to occur in your community. Have a family disaster plan and practice it. Build an emergency preparedness kit. Make sure at least one member of your household is trained in first-aid and CPR and

knows how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Take action to help your community prepare.

Disaster Preparedness Kits Water (one gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation) Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food) Manual can opener Battery-powered radio with extra batteries (never store the batteries in the radio) Flashlight and extra batteries (never store the batteries in the flashlight) First-aid kit Whistle (to signal for help) Filter mask or cotton T-shirt, to help filter the air Moist towelettes for sanitation Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place—only use if local authorities

announce they are to be used) Garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation) Items for unique needs (see the Individuals with Disabilities or Special Medical

Needs list) Local maps


http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/be-red-cross-ready

Individuals with Disabilities or Special Medical NeedsConsider adding the following items, as needed, to your go-kit in the event you need to evacuate:

Basic first-aid kit Extra eyeglasses Extra hearing aids and batteries Battery chargers for motorized wheelchairs or other battery-operated medical or

assistive technology devices If possible, have a lightweight manual wheelchair available for emergencies. Know

the size and weight of your chair and know if it’s collapsible for transport. Copies of medical prescriptions, doctors’ orders, and the style and serial numbers of

the support devices you use Medical alert tags or bracelets or written descriptions of your disability and support

needs in case you are unable to describe the situation in an emergency Supplies for your service animal Medical insurance cards, Medicare/Medicaid cards Physician contact information List of allergies, chemical sensitivities, and health history A laminated personal communication board, in case you need assistance with being

understood or understanding others Extra oxygen Extra insulin Extra catheters or other medical supplies you use regularly

Fire Safety

Fire Extinguishers

Determine the type of fire extinguisher you need for your home or office. There are five general types of fire extinguishers: A, B, C, D, and K.Type Where Typically Used PurposeA Homes and businesses Ordinary materials like cloth, wood, and paper.B Homes and businesses Combustible and flammable liquids like grease, gasoline,

oil, and oil-based paints.C Homes and businesses Electrical equipment like appliances, tools, or other

equipment that is plugged in.D Factories Flammable metals.K Commercial kitchens

(restaurants, cafeterias, and catering businesses)

Vegetable oils, animal oils, and fats in cooking appliances.

You can find multi-use fire extinguishers that might be labeled “B-C” or “A-B-C” in home improvement stores.


Using a Fire Extinguisher

Remember the word PASS: Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and

release the locking mechanism. Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

Placement and Maintenance of a Fire Extinguisher

Ensure the fire extinguisher is within easy reach and that nothing blocks your ability to reach it.

Check the gauge regularly to ensure the pressure isn’t too high or too low. Check to see if your extinguisher needs to be shaken monthly. Make sure the can, hoses, and nozzles are not damaged, dented, or rusted. Remove any dust, oil, or grease that might be on the outside of the extinguisher.

Heating Fire Safety

Furnace Have your furnace inspected each year. Keep anything that can burn away from the furnace.

Kerosene Heater Only use kerosene heaters from a recognized testing laboratory. Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off, so if it tips over, it shuts off. Refuel your cooled heater outside.

Fireplace Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks

jumping out. Do not burn paper in your fireplace. Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home. Put ashes in a metal container with a lid, outside, at least three feet from your

home.

Space Heater Keep anything that can burn, such as bedding, clothing, and curtains, at least three

feet away from the heater. Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off, so if it tips over, it shuts off. Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.


Plug portable heaters directly into outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.

Only use portable heaters from a recognized testing laboratory.

Wood Stove Make sure your wood stove is three feet from anything that can burn. Do not burn paper in your wood stove. Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year by a professional.

Carbon Monoxide Safety Install and maintain carbon monoxide (CO) alarms inside your home to provide

early warning of CO. Install CO alarms in a central location outside each separate sleeping area and on

every level of your home. Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors,

windows, and vents. Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow and

other debris. Remove vehicles from the garage immediately after starting.

Wildfire Safety Create an emergency bag (aka, a go-kit) of personal items that you will need if you

are asked to leave your home. Leave your home when asked to do so. Make and frequently practice a family evacuation plan that includes meeting

locations, a communication plan and pet accommodations. Clean your roof, gutters, and deck of dead leaves and pine needles often. Use building and yard materials that won’t burn easily. Keep an area up to 200 feet around your home lean, clean and green. Follow evacuation instructions from your local emergency officials. Practice two ways out of your neighborhood; you will be more prepared if roads are

blocked. Hold community meetings and work with neighbors to prepare the neighborhood for

wildfires. Make sure driveways and house numbers are clearly marked and can be seen from

the road. Meet with your local fire department. Find out how department personnel can help

you prepare for wildfires.

Pets and Disaster Safety Food (at least a three-day supply of food for each pet in an airtight, waterproof

container) Water (three-days worth) Medicines and medical records


Pet first-aid kit (talk to your veterinarian about what would be best to stock in your pet(s) kit)

Collar with an ID tag, harness, or leash Crate or other pet carrier Sanitation supplies (including pet litter and box, newspapers, paper towels, plastic

trash bags, household chlorine bleach, etc.) Pet toys Pet treats A recent picture of you and your pet together Ensure you have a plan in place to evacuate to in an emergency — locate places

that will be pet friendly.

American Red Cross Mobile AppsThe American Red Cross has several very handy mobile apps for your iPhone or Android. You can visit http://www.redcross.org/prepare/mobile-apps and download the following apps:

App DescriptionBlood Donor This allows you to keep track of your blood donations,

schedule appointments, and earn rewards.Earthquake Real-time earthquake alerts and safety tools.Emergency Provides real-time weather and other emergency alerts.First Aid Provides instant access to information needed to handle

the most common first-aid emergencies.Flood Provides information to help you understand, prepare, and

respond to flooding.Hurricane Hurricane alerts and tracking as well as awareness and

safety tipsMonster Guard Designed for children ages 7 to 11, this app helps them

prepare for real-life emergencies at home and elsewhere through colorful games.

Pet First Aid Provides veterinary advice for everyday emergencies.Swim Features water safety tips and information for those

learning to swimTornado Real-time tornado alerts and safety tips and quizzes.Wildfire Provides state-by-state wildfire news and updates as well

as wildfire safety tools and tips.


http://www.redcross.org/prepare/mobile-apps

Training

If you are interested in receiving training and certification in CPR, Basic First-Aid, and the use of AEDs, please visit the American Red Cross of Central Texas page for training opportunities and schedules: http://www.redcross.org/ux/take-a-class


http://www.redcross.org/ux/take-a-class

Reference MaterialYou can find Austin Diocese maps, Conference and Diocesan Council contacts, and popular SSVDP forms, as well as information on the Disaster Declaration process.

Counties Within the Diocese of Austin

1 – Bastrop 9 – Falls 17 – Mason 25 – Williamson2 – Bell 10 – Fayette 18 – McClennan3 – Blanco 11 – Hamilton 19 – Milam4 – Brazos 12 – Hays 20 – Mills5 – Burleson 13 – Lampasas 21 – Robertson6 – Burnet 14 – Lee 22 – San Saba7 – Caldwell 15 – Limestone 23 – Travis


8 – Coryell 16 – Llano 24 – Washington

Highlighting reflects under which Department of Public Safety/Texas Division of Emergency Management disaster region a county falls.


The Disaster Declaration Process Under the Federal Stafford Act, in order for a Presidential Disaster Declaration to be granted, a state’s governor must make the request. There are several layers of coordination and cooperation at work underneath the governor leading up to a request for a disaster declaration.Below is a quick overview of what has to happen starting in the area directly impacted by a disaster.

Local government responseThe local government is supported by volunteer agencies and neighboring communities. When the community and local government are overwhelmed, the state is asked for assistance.

State responseState agencies active in disasters support the local governments and can activate existing memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and mutual aid agreements (MAAs) with surrounding states for assistance. When resources are overwhelmed or non-existent, the state reaches up to the federal government.

Damage assessmentsAt every level of response, volunteer organizations (especially the American Red Cross), local, state, and federal government entities conduct damage assessments to assess the disaster’s impact on life and property. These assessments are key elements for the governor’s potential request for a presidential disaster declaration.

Major disaster declarationThe state governor requests a Presidential disaster declaration based on damage assessment information and commits state resources to the response and long-term recovery effort.

FEMA evaluationThe governor’s request is evaluated by FEMA who makes a recommendation to the president.

Presidential approvalThe president either approves the request or denies it and FEMA notifies the governor of the reason for denial.When a Presidential Disaster Declaration is issued, myriad federal programs can be made available to the impacted area. These programs will be based on what the governor requested. The governor’s request will be based on needs that were determined during initial damage assessments.

Disaster Declaration ProgramsIndividual AssistanceIndividual Assistance supports private individuals impacted by the disaster. The program might include:


Disaster housing Disaster grants Low-interest disaster loans Disaster-related unemployment assistance Crisis counseling Legal aid Income tax assistance Rental assistance

Public AssistancePublic Assistance aids the state or local governments to help pay for rebuilding damaged infrastructure. The program might include:

Debris removal Emergency protective measures Public services Repair for damaged public property Loans for essential government functions Grants for public schools


FormsBelow you will find samples of forms used at SSVDP.

Disaster Relief Assistance Request FormThis form is filled out and submitted to the Diocesan Council when the conference is requesting assistance in covering a client. This form is available at http://www.ssvdp.org/vincentians/


Disaster Relief Assistance Report FormThis form is submitted to the Diocesan Council when reimbursement for disaster relief payments is being requested. This form is available at http://www.ssvdp.org/vincentians/


House in a Box™ VoucherThis form can be requested from the appointed Disaster Response Coordinator, [email protected]


ContactsBelow you will find Diocesan Council contact information.

Diocesan Council ContactsName Title Phone Email

Stacy Ehrlich Executive Director 512-251-6995 512-751-6161

[email protected]

Midge Beard Manager, Executive Office

512-251-6995 f: 512-919-4715

[email protected]

Katie Conyers Assistant Development Director

Vehicle Donation Coordinator

512-251-6995 512-912-7575

[email protected]

Roz Gutierrez Conference Support Director

512-251-6995 [email protected]

Paul Kleypas Stores Director 512-442-5652 [email protected]

BCS Thrift Store Stores Director 979-823-4369 f: 979-823-8377

[email protected]

Disaster Response Coordinator

[email protected]


mailto:[email protected]







Abbreviations and DefinitionsThe following are some of the terms used in this document.

Term Definition

Emergency Any occasion or instance for which, in the determination of the President, Federal assistance is needed to supplement state and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States. (Stafford Act)

Isolated Disaster A disaster that impacts a single individual or family (e.g., House fire)

Major Disaster Any natural catastrophe (including any hurricane, tornado storm, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, or drought), or, regardless of cause, any fire flood, or explosion in any part of the United States, which in the determination of the President causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant major disaster assistance under this Act to supplement the efforts and available resources of states, local governments, and disaster-relief organizations in alleviating the damage, loss, hardship, or suffering caused thereby. (Stafford Act)

Moderate Disaster

An incident that impacts multiple families or individuals in the same community (e.g., a fire or flood in multiple apartment or duplex units or two to three houses in the same community.

Stafford Act The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act is the federal statute that outlines the procedures for federal assistance to state and local governments

Widespread Disaster

An incident that impacts multiple communities across a large area (e.g., widespread damage from a tornado, wildfire, flooding, hurricane)


Record of ChangesThis section describes changes made to this document: when they were made, what they were, and who authorized them.

Use this table to record the following information: Change number, in sequence, beginning with 1 Date change was made to the document Description of change and rationale if applicable Initials of person who made the change

Number Date Description Initials


For More InformationFor more information on this document, contact the SSVDP Disaster Response Coordinator at [email protected].

May 5, 2023 SSVDP Disaster Response 31Produced by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul —Diocesan Council of Austinwww.ssvdp.org

http://www.ssvdp.org/

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