LDS Resources
While the Provo Auxiliary Communications Team (PACT) is not associated with any faith-based organizations, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints constitute roughly 90% of Provo's population. This page is intended to help Church leaders and members understand how the Church and Provo City coordinate during emergencies.
Emergency Communication in Provo
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides guidance to help ward and stake leaders prepare for emergencies. Each ward and stake should maintain an emergency response plan. That plan should identify likely disasters, gather important information, outline assignments and procedures, identify ways to communicate, and help members prepare.
When an emergency happens, Church leaders are responsible for accounting, assessing, responding, and reporting. They account for members and missionaries, assess needs and local conditions, help coordinate response efforts, and report important information.
Reporting is a key responsibility because it helps both Church leaders and civil authorities understand local conditions and needs.
Reporting Information During an Emergency
During a major emergency, Church leaders are responsible for assessing and reporting the condition of:
- Missionaries and members, including their locations
- Member housing and immediate needs
- Church properties
- Conditions in the surrounding community, including roads, utilities, commerce, facilities, and infrastructure
This information is shared with both:
- Church leadership: to help leaders understand local conditions, identify needs, and coordinate the Church's response.
- Civil authorities: to help Provo City understand urgent needs, damage, infrastructure problems, and other conditions affecting the community.
Under normal conditions, this information can be shared by phone, text, or the internet. During a major emergency, however, normal communication systems may be unavailable or unreliable.
When normal communication methods are not available, amateur radio can provide alternate communication paths through the ERC and PACT Nets. The ERC Net connects Church leaders with Church emergency communication channels, while the PACT Net connects them with the Provo City Emergency Operations Center.
The Church uses Emergency Response Communications (ERC) to support emergency communication when normal systems are unavailable. In Utah County, the ERC Net is organized by the Lindon Bishop's Storehouse.
Training Net
- When: Every Tuesday @ 8 PM (VHF) & Saturday @ 8 AM (HF)
- VHF: 147.020 MHz (+), CTCSS 103.5 Hz
- HF: 3.9025 MHz
- Notes: The first Tuesday of the month is conducted on 147.020 MHz simplex
During an emergency, reports can be passed through the 147.020 MHz repeater.
The PACT Net provides an emergency communication path to Provo City emergency management and the Emergency Operations Center.
Training Net
- When: Every Wednesday @ 8:30 PM
- Check-ins: 439.800 MHz simplex
- Announcements/Training: 443.575 MHz (+), CTCSS 123.0 Hz
During an emergency, use 439.800 MHz simplex to communicate with Net Control at the Provo City Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
Life-threatening emergencies and requests for public safety assistance should always be reported through appropriate public safety channels. Church emergency communication networks, including the ERC Net, do not replace requests for emergency services.
The ERC and PACT Nets serve different purposes and are not interchangeable. During an emergency, both may be used at the same time so information can reach both Church leadership and Provo City.
Area Coordination Centers
During major emergencies, stake centers serve as local gathering points where information from wards and the surrounding community is collected and relayed. Provo City has designated each English-speaking family stake center as an Area Coordination Center (ACC).
Ideally, each ACC will have a trained Emergency Communication Specialist familiar with both Church emergency communication procedures and PACT operations.
Emergency Communication Specialists help Church leaders maintain communication during an emergency. They collect and relay reports, maintain contact with the ERC and PACT Nets, and help ensure information reaches the appropriate destination.
Before an emergency, Specialists should become familiar with local communication procedures and reporting processes. Participating in PACT training nets, exercises, and public service events provides practical experience using radios and passing messages through the established emergency network.
The annual Provo Prepared exercise gives Church leaders and Emergency Communication Specialists an opportunity to practice using the PACT Net and become familiar with emergency reporting procedures before a real incident occurs.
During an emergency, if an ACC does not have an Emergency Communication Specialist available, PACT will assign an available member to help establish communications and relay information to the Provo City Emergency Operations Center.
Emergency Communications Service Missionaries, called by the Area Presidency, help train Coordinating Councils and Emergency Communication Specialists in emergency communication responsibilities and procedures.
Ward/Stake Emergency Response Plans
As wards/stakes review and update their emergency response plans, Church leaders should consider how their communication procedures align with the Church's and Provo City's emergency communication procedures. Rather than creating separate reporting systems, ward and stake plans should support the established process for gathering information and passing it through the appropriate Church and civil communication channels.
As part of that planning, leaders should consider:
- Who will gather reports from members, wards, and the surrounding community?
- Who will communicate with Church leadership when reports need to be passed through Church channels?
- Who will communicate with Provo City when information needs to be passed to civil authorities?
- What backup communication methods will be used if phone or internet service is unavailable?
Special consideration should be given to wards and stakes that experience frequent membership turnover, such as Young Single Adult (YSA) and Married Student units. Emergency Communication Specialists, ward council members, and other key leaders may change regularly, making it important to review and update emergency response plans frequently and ensure that current leaders understand their roles and responsibilities.
Resources
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Preparedness
Members of the Church have been counseled for many years to be prepared for adversity. Preparation, both spiritual and temporal, can dispel fear. Elder L. Tom Perry taught, “The need for preparation is abundantly clear. The great blessing of being prepared gives us freedom from fear.” With the guidance of Church leaders, individuals and families should prepare to be self-reliant in times of personal and widespread tragedy.
The Principle of Preparation
As members of the Church, we know that it is our responsibility to provide for ourselves and our families both in good times and in bad. Part of fulfilling that obligation is making preparations now to face whatever challenges may come our way.
President Spencer W. Kimball taught that we must be “anxiously engaged in a positive program of preparation.” It is not enough to hope for the best; we must prepare for it.
He explained, “The Lord will not translate one’s good hopes and desires and intentions into works. Each of us must do that for himself.”
How Does the Church Prepare for Emergencies?
The Church prepares for emergencies by establishing and maintaining an emergency response plan in each ward and stake.
Ward and Stake Emergency Plans
Wards and stakes should prepare for natural and man-made disasters that are likely to occur in their respective areas by creating an emergency plan. These plans are prepared under the direction of the bishop or stake president. They should be updated periodically.
Each plan should:
- Identify likely disasters.
- Gather critical information.
- Outline assignments and procedures.
- Identify emergency communication methods.
- Encourage member preparation.
Emergency Response
Emergency Response
The Church provides relief in situations of civil unrest, famine, and natural disasters by providing short-term resources such as food, water, shelter, clothing, medical supplies, and hygiene kits. This response is accomplished under the direction of local leadership, often in conjunction with local and international relief organizations. Members help by distributing supplies and participating in cleanup.
Disaster Response
When tragedy strikes, ward and stake leaders begin carrying out their emergency plan by gathering in a previously determined location where they can direct relief efforts. Leaders work together to complete assigned tasks as outlined in the emergency plan to account for missionaries and members, assess and respond to needs, and report to area leadership. Response efforts should be coordinated with civil authorities and community relief organizations.
Guidelines for Ward and Stake Emergency Plans
Account
In the event of an emergency, ward and stake councils are responsible for accounting for each missionary and member within their areas. They should pay special attention to those who may need additional help. This accounting may be done through ministering brothers and sisters.
Assess
Assess missionary and member needs, damage to Church property, and general conditions in the community.
Respond
Work in conjunction with civil authorities and relief organizations to supply basic provisions and services, such as food, clothing, sanitation, medical assistance, and temporary shelter to those who have suffered damage to homes or belongings, emotional trauma, injury, or loss of livelihood.
Report
Report the condition of:
- Missionaries and members, as well as their locations.
- Member housing.
- Church properties.
- The community, including roads, public utilities, commerce, facilities, and infrastructure.
These needs should be reported through priesthood channels to the bishop, stake president, and area leadership.
Meetinghouses as Emergency Shelters
Following a disaster, the use of a meetinghouse as a community emergency shelter is occasionally needed. Permission is granted by the stake president, after consulting with a member of the Presidency of the Seventy or the Area Presidency. After receiving approval, the priesthood leader should contact his Church physical facilities representative.
How Can I Help During an Emergency?
Directly Involved
If you’ve received first aid training or have other valuable skills, you may be in a position to provide immediate relief in a crisis situation. Identify yourself and your credentials to whoever is in charge, and allow them to direct your efforts.
Neighboring Wards or Stakes
Priesthood leaders may encourage members in neighboring wards and stakes to help by gathering and assembling supplies, assisting in disaster cleanup, and other response efforts.
Assembling Supplies
Members living nearby may volunteer to assemble supplies for those affected by the disaster, such as:
- Blankets.
- Clothes.
- Emergency medical supplies.
- Food.
- Hygiene kits.
Disaster Cleanup and Church Volunteer Safety
Wards and stakes in nearby communities may organize volunteers to assist in community cleanup following a disaster. These relief teams help clean up homes, parks, and other facilities.
All volunteers should adhere to Church safety guidelines for disaster cleanup:
- Wear appropriate clothing and safety equipment.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid contact with hazardous chemicals.
- Be aware of broken glass, nails, and other sharp objects.
- Use caution when working around mold or asbestos.
- Treat wounds properly and promptly.
Donations
Members may contribute to the Church Humanitarian Aid Fund using the Tithing and Other Offerings donation slip. The Church uses these donations to purchase supplies locally. By purchasing local goods, the Church avoids customs and shipping fees, stimulates the damaged economy, and provides products that will be familiar to recipients.
Volunteer
Wards, families, and individuals are encouraged to participate in local relief projects where practical.
Emergency Communication Guidelines
Emergency Communication Guidelines
During a disaster, normal means of communication may become inoperable; however, the need to communicate with Church leaders, missionaries, members, employees, civil authorities, and others is greatly increased. Using proper emergency communication methods can help decrease anxiety and stress during an emergency.
The Foundation of Emergency Communication
The Church’s objective in establishing emergency communication is to ensure that critical information can be received and conveyed.
This includes:
- The transfer of information and instructions from area, mission, and stake leaders to ward leaders, missionaries, and members.
- Reports on the status of missionaries, Church members, and Church properties.
- Plans for responding to needs of Church members and the community.
- Coordination of relief efforts with civil authorities and other relief agencies.
What Is the Role of a Welfare and Self-Reliance Specialist?
The role of a welfare and self-reliance specialist assigned to manage emergency communications is to enhance a leader’s ability to communicate prior to a disaster and during disaster response.
When managing emergency communications, specialists should not replace presiding ecclesiastical leaders or act outside of their direction.
A stake welfare and self-reliance specialist has the following responsibilities:
- Functions under the direction of a priesthood leader.
- Recommends backup modes of communication.
- Helps develop the emergency communications section of the stake emergency preparedness and response plan.
- Maintains an understanding of local community and government emergency communication plans.
- Plans to serve at the side of priesthood leaders during a disaster.
What Communication Equipment Is Available?
- Communication equipment has been positioned at Church headquarters, some welfare facilities, and area offices.
- Local communication equipment can also be an effective resource for local units.
Amateur Radio Networks “Nets”
- Nets may also be organized at the local unit level under the direction of priesthood leaders.
- Amateur radio should be seen as one of several options with which local emergency communication specialists should be familiar.
What Are the Communication Methods?
Telephone and internet services are often disrupted after a large or regional disaster. Leaders and members should be prepared to communicate using alternate methods that are available locally.
| Method | Benefits | Considerations | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cell Phone | Used widely | Relies on cell coverage and power | One-on-one communication |
| Landline Phone | Tied to a physical address | Requires the recipient to be in a physical location | One-on-one communication and conference calls |
| SMS/Text Messaging | Often available even if voice lines are overwhelmed | Communicates a small amount of information | Field communications |
| Internet Communications | Versatile and resilient | Requires internet connection and software | Mass coordination of relief efforts |
| Satellite Phone | Works when cell phones are down | Requires satellite signal and available system capacity | Incoming and outgoing calls |
| Amateur Radio | Very resilient | Requires a license | Communication into and out of affected areas |
Disaster Planning
Disaster Planning
Thinking about natural disasters can feel frightening and overwhelming. But we are promised, “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:30). Preparing for emergencies can help us feel more secure and can help us stay as safe as possible when a disaster or unexpected event occurs.
Preparation is necessary in many areas, including financial preparation, food storage, emotional resilience, and emergency planning. If we have plans in place, we can be prepared when disasters occur.
What Is a Disaster Plan?
Disaster plans are plans for how you will prepare and what you will do in the case of a natural disaster. This includes food storage, water supply, emotional wellness, reunification planning, and communication with family members. The most effective plans are simple and brief. As a family or individual, you should review and update this plan regularly.
When developing your disaster plan, consider coordinating with ward, stake, and community plans.
What Are the Main Components of a Disaster Plan?
When planning for disasters, it’s helpful to:
- Consider the possible disasters in your area.
- Make a plan for the disasters that may happen to you.
- Make a communication and reunification plan.
- Think about your family’s specific physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual needs.
- Update your plans on a regular basis.
Storing Emergency Supplies
Find a location for storing and accessing important family documents, emergency funds, survival and emergency supplies, and food storage.
Pack an emergency bag for each member of the family with things such as basic hygiene items, clothing, a light source, snacks, activities, and a comfort item to help children feel safe.
Reunification Plan
Set up a safe family gathering place that coincides with the ward, stake, or community reunification plans. Designate a safe place where you and your family can find each other after an emergency. It is also a good idea to pick an alternate place.
Communication Plan
Establish ways to communicate with each other about your safety in case you are separated during the disaster. It’s good to have a list of family members, friends, neighbors, Church leaders, and community resources.
After a disaster, it can be hard to make calls within the area. It’s often easier to make long-distance calls. Designate a relative in another city to be an out-of-town contact.
Evacuation Plan
Identify where to go in the event of an evacuation. Map out primary and secondary routes to these locations. Review these routes with your family.
Consider packing an emergency bag that can easily be taken with you in the event of an evacuation. Some items in your emergency bag could include:
- First aid kit
- Medicine
- Water
- Flashlight
- Extra clothes and blankets
- Comfort items for self and children
Have a practice evacuation with your family.
After a Disaster
Immediately After a Disaster:
Obtain medical care for those who have been injured or who have other health challenges. Ensure you have access to basic provisions and services, help locate and reunite family members, and report family conditions to ministering brothers or sisters or other Church leadership.
Soon After a Disaster:
Provide assistance to family members who are suffering, have damaged shelter or belongings, or are experiencing emotional trauma or loss of livelihood.
Member Preparation
Member Preparation
How Can I Prepare for an Emergency?
Church members are encouraged to make an emergency plan and update it regularly. As you make an emergency plan, consider each of these elements.
Avoid Debt and Live Within Your Means
It is needful that we discipline ourselves by avoiding debt and living within our means. Doing so will put us in a better position to help ourselves and help others during times of personal or widespread crisis.
Living within our means allows us to maintain control of our circumstances. Falling into debt only leads to further hardship.
Gain an Adequate Education
In an ever-changing world, we must prepare for uncertainties. One way that we can do this is by first gaining an adequate education and then continuing to increase our knowledge and skill base as time and circumstance permit.
It is vital that we stay abreast of current industry practices and continue building our skill set. Doing so will give us the best chance at gainful employment.
Keep a Reserve of Food and Other Supplies
Another way we can prepare for an emergency is by building up a store of needed supplies to help carry us through a crisis.
As you build and maintain your emergency supply, include the following items:
- Clothing and bedding
- Drinking water
- Financial reserves
- Important documents
- Longer-term supply of basic food items
- Medication and first aid supplies
- Three-month supply of food that is part of your normal diet
- Ways to communicate with family following a disaster
Obtain First Aid Training
Another way to prepare for an emergency is to receive first aid, CPR, and AED training through a certified program.
Additional Resources
Member Preparation
Leader Preparation
Legacy Groups/Programs
Several emergency communication and neighborhood response programs have been used in Provo and throughout Utah over the years. These programs provide useful historical context for how emergency reporting and communication practices have developed.
After the Teton Dam disaster of 1976, the Church created an emergency communication network known as the Mercury Amateur Radio Association (MARA). In 1990, the Church separated itself from MARA, and created another emergency communication team called the Emergency Response Radio System (ERRS). ERRS was renamed in 1995 to Emergency Response Communications (ERC).
The Block Captain Program was a neighborhood-based emergency preparedness model used by wards and stakes for many years. Wards were divided into small geographic areas, or “blocks,” with an assigned individual or household responsible for checking on members, identifying injuries or urgent needs, assessing local conditions, and reporting information back to ward leaders.
The model was intended to help Church leaders quickly account for members and gather neighborhood-level information after a disaster, particularly when normal communication systems were disrupted. Over time, however, experience showed that assigned Block Captains were not always available or able to participate during an emergency, which could leave gaps in neighborhood reporting.
Some wards and neighborhoods in Provo continue to use variations of the Block Captain Program as part of their emergency response plans.
The Rapid Disaster Assessment Program (RDAP) was developed as a later approach to neighborhood damage assessment and reporting. It addressed one of the principal limitations of the Block Captain model by reducing dependence on preassigned individuals.
Rather than requiring a designated Block Captain for every area, RDAP allowed available volunteers to assess damage, account for household conditions, and report urgent needs with minimal advance training.
The Utah Division of Emergency Management worked with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to develop and promote RDAP through the Be Ready Utah initiative. For a number of years, the program was used by municipalities, neighborhoods, and wards to gather initial damage information and relay it to emergency responders. The original RDAP program is still used by a handful of groups, although its use has declined over time.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program provided volunteer training in disaster preparedness and basic response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
Orem and Provo operated a joint CERT program for a number of years to support community-level preparedness and response. Participation declined in 2019/2020, and the local program was subsequently mothballed.