Includes bibliographical references.

Foreword / by Kathy Smith -- Acronyms for common disaster response terms -- Introduction : get trained, get ready, get going -- The calm before the storm : before disaster strikes -- Hunker down or get out of town : when disaster is imminent -- D-day and taking stock : communications in chaotic conditions -- Calm down! : emotional responses in a disaster -- A completely different world : congregational roles in early relief efforts -- People, people everywhere : national response organizations -- Bring in the volunteers : government and nongovernmental agency roles in disaster -- The community that weeps together : long-term recovery from a disaster -- Suffer the little children : how trauma affects the youngest and the oldest -- No going back : resiliency and disaster recovery -- A future with hope : congregational life after a disaster -- Justice, kindness, and walking humbly : why engage in disaster response? -- Appendix A : Red Cross sheltering -- Appendix B : emergency kits -- Appendix C : suggestions on offering spiritual first aid -- Appendix D : the role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in a disaster -- Appendix E : national nonprofit disaster response organizations -- Appendix F : what to know before you volunteer -- Appendix G : disaster-focused time and talent survey -- Appendix H : sample congregational plan -- Appendix I : a place for all sizes.