[Press Release] : OEM to host disaster conference for faith-based organizations

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Zim Schwartze, OEM Director, or Scott Smith, Public
Information Officer - (573) 874-7400

OEM to host disaster conference for faith-based organizations

Columbia and Boone County churches encouraged to attend 

COLUMBIA, MO (November 13, 2009) - The Columbia/Boone County Office of
Emergency Management (OEM) will hold a conference with area churches and
faith-based organizations, focusing on the role churches can play before
and after a disaster. The conference will be held on Friday, Nov. 20,
from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., at Columbia’s Parkade Baptist Church.
Cole County Sheriff Greg White will discuss the importance for churches
to have a disaster plan in place for its congregation as well as what
role the church and faith-based community can play in the event of an
area-wide disaster. 
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“We want to invite all churches and faith-based organizations in
Columbia and Boone County to come to this conference to learn and
share,” says OEM Director Zim Schwartze. “Not only is it important
for these organizations to learn how to prevent a disaster within their
own walls, but we want them to know that they can play a vital role in
the community in the hours and days after a widespread disaster.
Volunteers and shelter areas are critical needs in times of catastrophe.
Our area’s response and recovery are dependent in part on the efforts
of these organizations.”

The conference will also feature Sherril Gladney, from the
Columbia/Boone County “Community Organizations Active in Disaster”
Team (COAD). Gladney will discuss the system and how local faith-based
organizations fit into the emergency response plan. There will also be a
number of publications available covering steps to take before, during
and after a disaster. 

There is no charge for the conference and lunch will be provided.
Leaders of area churches are invited to attend, as well as members of
their respective congregations. Those planning on attending are asked to
RSVP by Wednesday Nov. 18 by calling the Columbia/Boone County Office of
Emergency Management at (573) 874-7400. 

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