Be prepared

Be Prepared - Is your community ready for anything? A Focus for prayers and sermons on October 7th 2012 October 7th sees the start of Norfolk Prepared Week-a week of action to build awareness of the vital work being done to prepare for any emergency situation hitting our county-from severe weather to terrorist attack, from a dangerous flu epidemic to a plane or train crash. It is an opportunity to pay tribute to and give thanks for the emergency services, the military, utility providers, emergency planners and decision-makers working tirelessly behind the scenes preparing for the worst case scenario through exercises and developing protocols which could literally save lives, learning the lessons of incidents elsewhere. It is an opportunity to explore ways than we can work together to make our communities more resilient and cohesive, ensuring the needs of our less able and vulnerable are considered and remembered, and identifying and managing risks. Consider whether there is anything you can do to help. What skills could members of your congregation bring to the table? It is a time to forge partnerships with parish council, local authorities, government agencies and voluntary sector groups such as the Red Cross and St John’s Ambulance. It is also a chance to raise awareness of the Norfolk and Waveney Churches Together Ecumenical Emergency Incident Team (EEIT) - a group of clergy and lay people accredited, trained, supported and ready to be called into action at any time. The team is convened by Rev Simon Wilson in his capacity as County Ecumenical Officer. Please pray for the work of the EEIT and other faith-based organisations whether Christian like the Salvation Army or from minority faith communities; for those involved in resilience work and preparing for what could be very difficult and traumatic work providing humanitarian assistance during an incident and in promoting community recovery in the aftermath. Supporting the injured, the bereaved, the homeless, the evacuated and the unsettled. Providing practical, pastoral and spiritual support. Ensuring that religious needs are met. Pray also for Chaplains in our hospitals, supporting the police, fire, ambulance and coastguard services, the military, the coroner’s court, the airport and county hall-building relationships and raising awareness-being ready for anything. Pray for disaster management across the world-for those from Norfolk serving in overseas contexts. Give thanks that Norfolk is generally a safe place to live and work but pray against complacency - what would you do if the services you rely on suddenly weren’t there anymore? Are you ready for anything? Find out more at : www.norfolkprepared.gov.uk Contact simon.wilson@norwich.anglican.org O God our father Our refuge and strength in times of trouble We thank you for all you provide for us, for those who care for us and those who keep us safe. Guide those preparing for emergency situations Make our communities cohesive and resilient places where we care for our neighbour Prepare and support us for those times when things go wrong and protect us from harm. Bless the dedication and skills of the emergency services and sustain the ministry of chaplains and the ecumenical emergency incident team In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit Amen