Ward Emergency Plan
Based on the official Church of Jesus Christ Stake & Ward Emergency Preparedness Guide
5-Step Planning Process
The Church's 5-step framework helps wards build a real, actionable emergency plan. Each step below is adapted for Hidden Valley Ward in Rexburg, Idaho. Click each step to expand details and see the official Church resource.
Emergency Response Workflow
Account, Assess, Respond, Report. This is how a ward moves from an unfolding event to organized care.
1. Account
Determine who is present, who is missing, and who has an urgent need. Ward leaders account for members and missionaries as soon as it is safe to do so.
2. Assess
Identify the most urgent needs first: injuries, people trapped or without shelter, and households without heat, water, or medication.
3. Respond
Meet needs the ward can meet safely, coordinate medical assistance, help reunite families, and work with civil authorities and relief organizations.
4. Report
Report conditions to stake leadership, evaluate Church property with local leaders, and pass information to the appropriate authorities.
After a disaster, leaders determine the condition of members and missionaries, identify urgent needs, coordinate medical assistance, help reunite families, coordinate with civil authorities and relief organizations, arrange essential assistance when appropriate, and evaluate Church property and report conditions through Church leadership.
Church meetinghouses may be made available during a disaster when authorized by appropriate Church leadership and coordinated with civil authorities. Follow official instructions for current shelter locations.
Immediate life safety needs are always reported to 911 or other civil authorities first. The ward workflow supports that response and does not replace it.
If Normal Communications Fail
Plan more than one way to reach your family and your ward. Start with the ways that use the least network.
Text messages
Text first when the network is congested. A short message often gets through when a call will not. Send one message to a group rather than calling each person.
Internet and email when available
Use email or a messaging app if you have data or Wi-Fi. Attach photos of damage only when asked.
Approved messaging platforms
Where the ward has an approved group or channel, use that so information stays in one place and leaders can see who has checked in.
Amateur radio
Licensed amateur radio operators can relay messages when phones and internet are down. Ward leadership keeps the operator list and the contact plan.
Personal contact on foot or by bicycle
When it is safe, a neighbor walking to a door is the most reliable check of all. Never enter unsafe areas, flood water, or a damaged building.
Designated ward communication specialists
The bishopric assigns members to gather and pass information. Know who your ward communication contact is before an emergency.
Specific radio frequencies, private addresses, and other sensitive communications details are not published here. Ward leadership approves anything of that kind before it is shared.
72-Hour Kit Checklist
Every family should be able to sustain themselves for at least 72 hours without outside help. Check off what you have.
Water
Food
First Aid
Documents
Communication & Light
Warmth & Shelter (Idaho-specific)
Tools
Sanitation
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