T
he NYDIS Emergency Rest Center (ERC) program partners with a network of
houses of worship across New York City to offer hospitality and safe haven to
the public during emergencies or mass evacuations.
Offering hospitality and safe haven to neighbors and strangers alike is a common value shared by all faith communities. In times of
crisis, houses of worship can provide a cup of water, a place to rest, and critical news to guests whose own resources may be
limited by circumstances beyond their immediate control.
EVENTS THAT MAY CREATE THE NEED FOR SAFETY AWAY FROM HOME INCLUDE:
Through NYDIS, houses of worship can volunteer to serve their communities as Emergency Rest Centers, which self-activate to
provide temporary refuge, basic care, and critical information to the public in times of crisis. The ERC program is a partnership
between the New York City Office of Emergency Management (NYC OEM) and faith communities. NYDIS provides its ERC houses
of worship with volunteer training and coordinates all emergency communication and operations with each center during activations.
NYDIS EMERGENCY REST CENTERS PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:
TEMPORARY REFUGE for the public during an emergency (using 50% of the facility’s capacity)
FULLY ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES for the disabled (including bathrooms)
WATER and disposable cups (Tap water is acceptable)
SPIRITUAL/EMOTIONAL CARE (Proselytizing or requiring religious activities is prohibited)
BASIC FIRST AID (Kit adequate for the total capacity of the facility)
EMERGENCY INFORMATION shared with cultural and linguistic competency
SNACKS Optional: Nut-free or halal/kosher snacks
During activation as a NYDIS ERC, a house of worship will be able to maintain its own religious practices, provided that it does
not require any of its guests to participate in religious activities of any kind and that it does not proselytize in any way.
FAITH COMMUNITIES BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS FOR READINESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
EMERGENCY REST CENTERS
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TRAINING PROFILE
BLACKOUT
WATER