Coronavirus & Disaster Preparedness
Preparing for any sort of emergency is a key part of the life of our parishes.
The peculiar geography of Southwest Florida makes preparation for disasters a critical part of the clergy and vestry. Both clergy and the vestry share equally the responsibility for preparing the parish for any sort of disaster.
At the bottom of the page are recent news items concerning parish disaster preparation, including the COVID-19 virus. At right are COVID-19 resources.
- Policies and guidance from the diocese are available below.
- Our diocesan Parish Disaster Plan Policy provides guidelines and tips for readying your congregation for a potential disaster. A sample parish disaster plan for editing is HERE.
Contacts
- Diocesan Disaster Preparedness Leader: If you would like to talk about your disaster preparedness plan and emergency planning resources, or have a question, contact our Diocesan Disaster Preparedness leader, Deacon Micheal Sircy, at 941-779-4193 or [email protected].
- Church Insurance: Most of our parishes use Church Insurance Corporation (CIC). They have assessors in the area ready to respond to claims. Claims can be reported 24/7 at 800-223-5705. Review the Safety & Insurance Handbook for Churches HERE and download the CIC Disaster Preparedness information HERE.
- Programs to Assist Individuals impacted by Hurricane Ian: Many state and federal agencies and other organizations are offering programs that can assist individuals who have been impacted by Hurricane Ian. For a full list click HERE.
- Clergy, Parish Staff Contact Info: The Diocesan Journal can be found HERE and lists clergy names, addresses, spouses, email, cellphones, and other information. It also has information on lay staff and junior and senior wardens of each parish. The Clergy Directory can be found HERE.
- Communications question? Email Lindsey Nickel at [email protected] or call 727-560-0972.
Donate
To donate to the Diocesan Hurricane Relief Fund you can donate online HERE or write a check payable to Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida and mail it to Diocesan House, 8005 25th Street East, Parrish, FL 34219. Make sure to note “Hurricane Relief” in your memo line.
News
Donate to Hurricane Relief
September 30, 2022
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Hurricane Ian has ravaged many parts of our diocese and now we begin the long and tedious process of recovery and rebuilding.
Many of you have asked how you can help. At this point, the most beneficial form of assistance is monetary donations.
This financial assistance will enable us to respond quickly and adaptively to the specific needs on the ground.
Please continue to pray for all those who have been impacted by this storm. May God give us the strength and grace needed to meet the days to come.
In Christ,
Bishop Smith and Bishop Scharf
Safe Online Donation
There are two ways to contribute:
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Or write a check payable to Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida and mail it to Diocesan House, 8005 25th Street East, Parrish, FL 34219. Make sure to note “Hurricane Relief” in your memo line.
Diocese Installs AlertMedia Contact System for Hurricane Ian
September 08, 2017
PARRISH - The Diocese of Southwest Florida's AlertMedia mass notification system is in place in advance of Hurricane Ian and other disasters.
Hurricane Resources for the Diocese
September 26, 2022
PARRISH – In anticipation of Hurricane Ian, many parishes and households are preparing for the storm's potential landfall across our diocese.
Letter from Bishop Dabney T. Smith Regarding Hurricane Ian
September 26, 2022
PARRISH - Please see a letter below from Bishop Dabney T. Smith regarding Hurricane Ian.
Office of the Bishop and New CDC Guidelines, August 2, 2021
August 03, 2021
PARRISH -Canon to the Ordinary, the Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman has issued a letter on the new guidelines from the CDC.
Office of the Bishop and New CDC Guidelines, May 14, 2021
May 14, 2021
PARRISH - Bishop Dabney Smith has issued a letter on the new guidelines from the CDC.
Letter on In Person Worship from Bishop Smith
May 21, 2020
PARRISH - Bishop Dabney Smith issued a letter to the clergy of the Diocese of Southwest Florida on Thursday, May 21, relating to guidelines for expanding in person worship.
Camp Schedule Amended for Summer 2020
May 08, 2020
PARRISH - After careful consideration, Bishop Dabney Smith and the diocesan staff have decided to amend the session schedule of our 2020 DaySpring Summer Camp. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and our desire to love our neighbor while promoting public health, we have made the decision to cancel June sessions, and work toward three residential sessions in July.
Florida Bishops Release Letter on Unemployment Insurance Delays
May 08, 2020
PARRISH - Episcopal bishops from across Florida have released a joint letter to the administration of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, asking him to intervene to encourage a rapid resolution to the problems fixing the state’s unemployment insurance situation.
2020 Diocesan Vestry Retreat on May 2: Theme What's Next? And Why?
April 14, 2020
PARRISH - Each May, the Diocese of Southwest Florida offers Diocesan Vestry Retreat. This year the retreat is online, on Saturday, May 2.
Episcopal Relief & Development's U.S. Disaster Preparedness Initiative
