“Until the heavenly civilization is founded, no results will be forthcoming from material civilization, even as you observe. See what catastrophes overwhelm mankind.”
—‘Abdu’l-Bahá, from a May 5, 1912, talk in Chicago, quoted in The Promulgation of Universal Peace
For Bahá’í Center Assistance Corp.
What practical steps can Bahá’ís take to prepare for the catastrophes we read about in the headlines? If a fire, natural disaster, act of violence or other emergency occurs, how can the Local Spiritual Assembly and community respond — and how can the Assembly plan ahead for the best response to serve its members and the wider community?
Fortunately, the board of Bahá’í Center Assistance Corp. (BCA) has studied these and other issues, informed by guidelines from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies, and in consultation with the national Bahá’í offices of Assembly Development and Public Safety.
The result is the Emergency Operations Planning Manual for Local Spiritual Assemblies, available for download (www.bahaicenterassistance.org/materials.asp). Using this tool, each Local Assembly can develop its own plans to respond to emergencies, based on a tested set of principles and actual experiences.
The manual’s guidelines include suggestions for what could be done “before, during, and after an incident in order to reduce the impact on property and any loss of life.” The guidelines can be utilized by all communities, whether or not they have a center.
The manual offers a series of templates to help an Assembly gather key facts, consult, appoint teams for planning and emergency response, identify local resources that could assist in an emergency, form an emergency action plan, and train and equip local community members to do their part.
It also includes information on recognizing and handling specific types of emergencies, as well as templates for various components of a plan.
This planning manual — which is to be reviewed and updated periodically — is offered on the BCA website (www.bahaicenterassistance.org) alongside several other downloadable materials that are helpful and even essential for Bahá’í communities. In March 2018, the BCA will be hosting webinars to assist communities to develop emergency plans.
Bahá’í Center Assistance Corp. operates under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. BCA provides advice, resources and other assistance to local communities, with a focus on Bahá’í facilities.
Does your local community have any issues or concerns about acquiring, renting, upgrading, operating, and maintaining a center or facility? Is your community considering selling or closing one? Please contact the BCA:
info@bahaicenterassistance.org
Phone: 847-425-7940
Fax: 847-425-7941
Mailing:
Bahá’í Center Assistance
1233 Central St.
Evanston, IL 60201-1611