October 16, 2009 - Prepare communities and fund faith-based groups at the same time 

Turn on any newscast and you’ll see disasters, emergencies and injuries happen on a daily basis. And the continued threats from Al-Qaeda, Iran, North Korea and Pakistan, plus the terrorists’ plots recently thwarted by officials, reminds all of us we live in dangerous times. Even the flu season has become more of an issue this year due to swine flu concerns.

Most of us don’t like to think about threats or disasters, however talking about these things can help people understand what to expect and do in the event of a crisis. And faith-based organizations play an integral role in helping communities prepare for and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters.

In a 29-Sep-2009 speech, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano called upon volunteers, first responders, veterans, the faith community, organizations and America's 30 million small businesses to do two things…

"1) Get an emergency kit, make a reunification plan -- get better informed about the types of emergencies that your community is most likely to encounter."

And 2) Americans need to ask co-workers, family and church members and groups they belong to … "‘What's our plan?’ and take time to discuss what will happen if disaster strikes -- if there's an emergency of any type, so that we respond with resilience and preparedness, not with fear."

So … what is your plan? Would your church, synagogue, business or family know what to do if disaster strikes?

Fedhealth, a Tucson-based publishing company can help families and groups prepare for the unexpected with their customizable book called "IT’S A DISASTER! …and what are YOU gonna do about it?"

What separates this paperback from others is the founders have developed programs that help fund and support nonprofits, faith-based groups, schools and First Responders. The 268-page first aid and preparedness manual is discounted up to 75% off the $14.99 list price (i.e. $3.50 US), and books can be customized at no extra charge so groups can include local emergency numbers, shelter locations and other important data for citizens, employees, volunteers and members.

For example, the Catholic Charities of Arkansas Diocese of Little Rock changed the entire book cover renaming it their "Family Emergency and Disaster Planning Guide". Plus their first 10 pages contain a letter from the Bishop, prayers and important phone numbers.

Groups can also get sponsorship from businesses and others to help pay for books or sell ad space – whatever helps that community. Or church families or neighborhoods can pool orders together to save on freight and get this information into homes and offices where it can do some good.

Through a special program, Fedhealth will donate 10% cash back on any order in support of that faith-based organization or send extra books for that amount. There’s also an easy referral program where the company donates 10% - 33% back to any referring entity.

With hundreds of thousands of books in print and over $3 million in cash and match donations to First Responders and nonprofit organizations, Fedhealth continues to explore new and innovative ways to help all North American communities "be aware, be prepared, and have a plan".

Learn more at www.itsadisaster.net/churches or by calling toll-free at 1-888-999-4325. 



Back to News Room