800-950-2901
LDRvolunteer@lssnd.org
1720 3rd Ave North
Fargo, ND 58102
Bringing healing, help and hope
... through disaster preparedness and response
Copyright 2011.  All rights reserved.
Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response ND









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

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    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® (or
    higher) 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.

    Putting the Database to Work for You

    The database is available as a single copy for small operations or it can also be used on a
    server for multiple users.

    To learn more about the database, contact Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response ND
    at 1-800-950-2901 or by email.


    The Disaster Response Database and its accompanying instruction manual are
    copyrighted by Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota.

                                                   "Guided by God's love and grace,
                                            Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota
                                                    brings healing, help and hope."