MISSION STATEMENT
The Lutheran Disaster Response Team Florida seeks to bring the caring and compassion of God and God's people to individuals and communities whose lives have been affected by disaster.

VISION STATEMENT
Called by God to be caring and compassionate, the Lutheran Disaster Response Team Florida, representing the ELCA and LCMS, will serve as liaison to prepare for and respond to disasters, which require outside resources for people to recover and rebuild their lives.

WHAT IS A DISASTER?
An event causing great harm, suffering, destruction and damage that is beyond the control of the individuals affected.

A natural disaster involves the forces of nature and creation, such as a hurricane, flood, windstorm, fire or tornado that severely affects the lives and property of several families in a congregation or community.

A human caused disaster includes events such as an explosion, the collapse of a structure, the release of hazardous material, acts of terror and other events affecting communities or congregations beyond their ability to respond.

LDR TEAM FLORIDA PROTOCOL

1. Disaster or community crisis strikes.

2. Local pastor alerts judicatories:

     => ELCA pastors call 813-876-7660

     => LCMS pastors call 407-857-5556

3. Judicatory alerts LDR Team Coordinators:

     => Danielle Kearney 813-676-9513

4. LDR Team Coordinators assess and inform LDR National (if disaster is beyond the ability of the community to handle).

5. LDR Coordinators call partners.

6. Conference call may be organized for LDR Team partners.

7. Local LDR Steering committee formed. The membership will consist of representatives of local clergy as well as regional partnering organizations. The committee will be staffed, if necessary by an LDR Coordinator.

ROLE OF LDR TEAM FLORIDA
The Lutheran Disaster Response Team in Florida responds to natural disasters as well as those caused by human beings. The Team will serve as a liaison between the local community and the greater Lutheran Church body. It will cooperate with all other organizations, bringing resources to those in need and helping to organize the responders, so that all available re- sources are used in an efficient, responsible, spiritual and loving manner.

COMPONENTS OF THE ROLE OF LDR TEAM FLORIDA

• Support the judicatories in their responsibilities in disaster to their congregations and rostered leaders.

• Cultivate an awareness in Lutheran congregations of Florida to the opportunity to minister to their communities during times of disaster.

• Encourage Lutheran congregations to develop disaster preparedness partnerships with other private and public organizations.

• Guide Lutheran congregations in their initial response in their affected communities.

• Assist Lutheran congregations to assess the needs for their continuing response.

• Connect local Lutheran congregations to the statewide and national Lutheran response effort and resources.

• Assist Florida Social Ministry Organizations to coordinate their response efforts in their local communities.

• Initiate a statewide Lutheran response, when such is called for.

• Support the congregational and pastoral care givers directly involved in disaster.

PARTNERS
Judicatories
ELCA - Florida Bahamas Synod
LCMS - Florida Georgia District

Out of State SMO's
LSG - Lutheran Services of Georgia

Local Partners
FIND Florida Interfaith Networking in Disaster
GCITC God's Care In Times of Crisis
LCS Lutheran Counseling Services
LH Lutheran Haven I Inc.
LOMF Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Florida
LSF Lutheran Services Florida
LSS-NE Lutheran Social Services of the Northeast
LSS-NF Lutheran Social Services of North Florida
Thrivent Financial
LWML – Lutheran Women Missionary League
WELCA – Women of the ELCA
PNN - Parish Nurse Network