Disaster Training Toolkit
Updated June 4, 2021
The E-Learning Video Resource Library is available as a one-stop shop for tools and training to build your disaster capacity. The library contains training videos and recordings of webinars on topics such as Disaster Basics, Establishing a Point of Distribution, Disaster Case Management and Concept of Operations.
A Crash Course in Disaster Case Work
A Crash Course in Disaster Case Work will prepare and equip agencies, parishes, and volunteers to begin case work immediately after a disaster incident. While watching this video, participants will learn disaster basics, including the definition of a disaster, the four phases of disaster, non-declared vs. declared disasters, emotional phases of disaster, the sequence of disaster, and key disaster players. The second section of the video will discuss the WHs (who, what, when, where, why and how) of disaster case work. In section 3, participants will hear from network partners who have experience in disaster case work and disaster case management. (Length: 22:45)
Agency Disaster Capacity
The Agency Disaster Capacity Webinar provides a demonstration on how to use the “Capacity Framework Worksheet” to self-assess the relative strength of your disaster operations capacity in a simple, consistent, and meaningful manner. In addition to self-assessment, this tool, which was created through a workgroup of Disaster Operations Community of Practice members, can be used to identity and track areas in which the agency would like to increase capacity and to coordinate resources/strength with other Catholic Charities and/or local partners. (Length 47:43)
Catholic Disaster Preparedness Program
Updated April 14, 2023
Catholic Disaster Preparedness Program (CDPP) is a three-part video training series that explores the natural intersection of our Gospel Call, the needs of those suffering and the gifts we have to share before, during and after a disaster event.
Through this video training series, Catholic Charities agencies enhance disaster preparedness within their diocese by preparing:
- Catholic individuals and families for disasters and emergencies;
- Catholic parishes so that sacraments and services will be available to those recovering; and
- Catholic members of the community to help all of our neighbors in time of crisis.
The three program elements are intended to be completed in a group setting, and each includes one or two videos, a Facilitator Guide and a Participant Guide. The Facilitator Guides are easy to follow, providing simple instructions that will enable a volunteer or staff member from the local Catholic Charities agency or from the Parish to coordinate the training.
Concept of Operations
This training video explains the Catholic Charities Concept of Disaster Operations, or “ConOps”. Participants in this training view the video and follow the ConOps document, available separately on the CCUSA Member Portal, to learn about: the roles and functions Catholic Charities agencies and Catholic Charities USA mat assume in disasters; services which agencies may provide; organizations with which Catholic Charities USA and affected agencies may coordinate and collaborate to best support disaster survivors, and opportunities to move from charity to justice as part of disaster recovery. (Length 34:17)
CCUSA Considerations for Special Populations During Disasters
Considerations for Special Populations During Disasters is a resource for local Catholic Charities agencies, Catholic parishes and others that may provide disaster services for those with ongoing functional needs. Children, the elderly, and persons with physical and/or intellectual disability, people who are homeless, are undocumented, or those with limited English Proficiency may require specialized assistance during a disaster. This training illustrates the higher risk and unique needs of special populations in disasters, how to assess an Agency’s readiness to assist their special populations in high risk events, and provides an example of a Catholic Charities agency that successfully overcame major challenges to protect their special populations in a disaster. (Length 18:08)
CCUSA Understanding Risk
This training video defines disaster risk and describes the components of an Agency risk assessment. Using this analysis, Agencies can develop or update Agency risk reduction strategies, plans, and procedures. This training discusses the disproportionate disaster risk to socially vulnerable populations, and opportunities for Catholic Charities agencies to identify and assist in reducing that risk in collaboration with private and public partners. (Length 35:56)
Disaster Basics
This training video on “disaster basics” is intended for Catholic Charities agencies, diocesan and/or parish leadership, staff and volunteers who have had little or not disaster experience. It introduces basic concepts and principles of disaster and emergency management, including the phases of the disaster cycle (preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation) and activities that may be performed during each. Participants will learn about the impact of disaster, especially on vulnerable populations, and roles that Catholic Charities agencies and CCUSA may fulfill in an operation disaster environment. This training also discusses various sources of disaster assistance, both from non-government organizations and through local, state and federal government programs. (Length 22:49)
Developing a Disaster Response Strategy
This training video is scenario-based, using an imaginary Catholic Charities agency dealing with a natural disaster event in a hypothetical town. Participants can follow along with the tools provided as the video demonstrates how an Agency may conduct a pre-disaster preparedness assessment to identify and begin to address gaps in readiness. It demonstrates how, when disaster strikes, agencies can compile data to identify immediate post-disaster actions in an initial Disaster Response Strategy. Finally, it covers how to review the effectiveness of the Strategy as actions are being implemented. (Length 23:43)
Establishing and Managing Points of Distribution Training
Establishing and Managing Points of Distribution training provides guidance on how to plan for, set up and operate a Point of Distribution (POD) site to provide life-sustaining commodities, including food, water, clothing and other supplies immediately following a disaster event to minimize further stress and suffering to disaster survivors. The training video is broken up into three parts: (1) Organizing a POD; (2) Operating a POD; and (3) Demobilizing a POD. There is an accompanying participant guide which includes checklists and job aids. (Length 22:01)
Crisis Leadership and Agency Capacity
This training video was produced to help Agencies develop or enhance crisis leadership capacity through better understanding of how leadership traits and skills translate during a crisis. It introduces job aids and other resources that may enhance an Agency’s ability to assess and prepare internal structures for disaster operations. This preparation will enable the Agency, during a crisis, to be resilient enough to manage impact and respond quickly to a community in need. The Participant Guide that accompanies this video includes tools and other resources to use in assessing and tracking agency capacity, and activities to apply concepts to your own Agency situation. (Length 19:52)