Bringing Healing, Help and Hope...

through disaster preparedness and response

The Disaster Response Database

because tracking vital information shouldn't create another disaster...

Tracking Disaster Information

Disaster comes in many forms... hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, terrorism and others.  But throughout these tragedies, there is a common thread---the need for disaster response agencies to organize their efforts effectively and in a way that will help them address immediate and long-term needs.  This management tool can do just that.

The Disaster Response Database was born out of a natural catastrophe---the 1997 floods that covered the Red River Valley of North Dakota.  Lutheran Disaster Response-North Dakota (LSS-ND), the agency spearheading the relief efforts, found reporting and tracking important information to be a big challenge in the midst of this disaster.  It used the lessons it learned during the floods to create this comprehensive tool in cooperation with National Lutheran Disaster Response.

What is does...

The Disaster Response Database organizes disaster-related information into these components:

• Client Information 

  • tracks client's vital information

  • lists special populations

  • determines priorities based on needs

• Financial 

  • tracks client's payments from 

    • FEMA

    • insurance

    • vouchers

    • personal income and savings

• Construction 

  • generates scope to complete construction

  • lists materials needed

  • coordinates with volunteer information

• Donations 

  • tracks cash and in-kind donations

• Equipment 

  • lists sources and values of equipment

  • tracks where it is and who used it

• Volunteers 

  • follows groups and individuals

  • tracks locations they worked in

  • identifies skills and skill levels

• Needs Assessment Surveys by CRWRC

  • now supports the importing of data from the CRWRC Needs Assessment Surveys

  • for information to obtain the Needs Assessment Database, contact CRWRC (Christian Reformed World Relief Committee) at   CRWRC, 2850 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI 49560 or email them

Easy to Use!

The database is designed to accommodate those who are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with computers.  It allows you to use only the components you need.  You can also customize the database for the disaster you are faced with.

Forms required by the database are in Microsoft WORD® are included and can  be changed easily.  The database operates on Microsoft Office 2003 Professional - ACCESS® and requires no additional costly software.

The Disaster Response Database also generates a variety of reports, including overviews, accounting reports, and others that analyze data in unique ways.  Reports can be generated without survivors' names for reports to be used outside the disaster-relief agency.  Data is  entered only once and all these reports can be produced on demand with the click of a mouse.

Setting up the database is easy, too.  The database files are contained on a CD Rom.  When it is placed into the computer's CD drive, the database and its forms are automatically loaded onto the computer.  A sample database with test data is also included, allowing you to add/change/delete data to become better acquainted with the database.  Icons are placed on the desktop for easy use.