Community lifelinesThe services every community needs to get back on its feet.
A lifeline is a basic service that people depend on for their health, safety and livelihood. After a disaster, emergency managers look at eight of them to see what is still working and what needs help first.
F3 brings Faith alongside them: the churches, ministries and neighbors who show up first and stay the longest.
What happened?The current status of the lifeline
Why does it matter?How the outage affects people
What is being done?The work underway to restore it
What is missing?The gaps that still need to be filled
01Safety & Security
Keeping people safe and keeping the services of local government running.
What it covers
- Law enforcement and securityPolice, security and keeping order
- Fire serviceFirefighting and fire protection
- Search and rescueFinding and reaching people who are trapped or missing
- Government servicesLocal offices, courts, schools and records staying open
- Community safetyDams, levees, flood control and other protective systems
02Food, Hydration & Shelter
Making sure people have something to eat and drink and a safe place to stay.
What it covers
- FoodGroceries, meal sites and food distribution
- HydrationDrinking water for people who have lost theirs
- ShelterEmergency shelters, hotels and temporary housing
- AgricultureFarms, livestock and the food supply chain
03Health & Medical
Caring for the sick and injured and protecting the health of the whole community.
What it covers
- Medical careHospitals, clinics, dialysis and home health
- Public healthDisease control, behavioral health and health information
- Patient movementAmbulances and moving patients to care
- Medical supply chainMedicine, oxygen, blood and equipment
- Fatality managementCaring for the dead with dignity and helping families
04Energy (Power & Fuel)
Keeping the lights on and the fuel flowing.
What it covers
- Power gridPower plants, lines and getting electricity back on
- FuelGas stations, fuel delivery and generators for critical sites
05Communications
Letting people reach help, get warnings and stay in touch.
What it covers
- InfrastructurePhone, cell, internet, cable and broadcast networks
- Responder communicationsRadio systems first responders rely on
- Alerts, warnings and messagesGetting clear, timely warnings to the public
- FinanceBanks, ATMs and card payments working again
- 911 and dispatchEmergency calls getting answered and routed
06Transportation
Moving people, supplies and help where they need to go.
What it covers
- Highway, roadway and motor vehicleRoads, bridges and traffic signals
- Mass transitBuses, trains and other public transit
- RailwayFreight and passenger rail
- AviationAirports and air traffic
- MaritimePorts, waterways and shipping
07Hazardous Materials
Finding and containing chemicals and pollution that could hurt people.
What it covers
- FacilitiesPlants and sites that store or use hazardous materials
- Hazardous materials, pollutants and contaminantsSpills, leaks, debris and cleanup
08Water Systems
Clean water coming in and wastewater going out safely.
What it covers
- Potable water infrastructureTreatment plants, pipes and safe tap water
- Wastewater managementSewers, treatment and sanitation
F3 ADDS · FAITHFaith Lifeline
Churches and faith-based groups are among the most reliable responders in any disaster, and survivors need emotional and spiritual care as much as food and shelter. F3 adds Faith to give that work a place of its own.
Faith also strengthens every other lifeline. A church kitchen feeds people, a fellowship hall becomes a shelter, and a congregation’s volunteers clear debris and check on neighbors.
What it covers
- Spiritual and emotional careChaplains, pastoral visits, grief support and a listening ear
- Prayer supportA simple way to ask for prayer and know someone is praying
- Connecting with faith partnersFinding the churches and ministries already serving nearby
- Coordination for congregationsClear guidance for churches that want to help, so their people and buildings go where they are needed
Common questions
What is a community lifeline?
A lifeline is a basic service that people depend on for their health, safety and livelihood, like power, clean water, food and medical care. After a disaster, emergency managers check each lifeline to see what is still working and what needs help first.
How many community lifelines are there?
There are eight: Safety and Security, Food, Hydration and Shelter, Health and Medical, Energy, Communications, Transportation, Hazardous Materials, and Water Systems.
What is the Faith Lifeline?
It is how F3 brings churches and faith-based groups alongside the other lifelines. It covers spiritual and emotional care, prayer support, connecting people with faith partners nearby, and helping congregations serve where they are needed most.
How can my church or group help?
Start by joining F3. We help churches and community groups get ready before a storm, connect with others nearby, and know where help is needed when disaster strikes.
Is F3 a government program?
No. F3 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We work alongside emergency managers, churches and community groups, and every partner keeps its own identity and leadership.