In view of the recent Louisiana hurricane, it is imperative to realize the unexpected risks associated with natural disasters. Knowing how to plan for unexpected events and minimize risks can help in protecting your church from nature’s fury. Being prepared as a church not only aids in restoring church facilities, but also in the recovery process for the whole community. 

Here’s a 4-Step formula to help you ensure your congregation is well-prepared for hurricanes and severe storms:

1. Identify.

Determine what aspects of your property are most prone to hazards - hurricanes can disrupt electricity, cause fires, damage structures, and so on. These in turn can harm your congregation. 

1. Protect.

By identifying hazards, you will better understand what type of protection and insurance your church needs. Covering all doors and windows with storm shutters or even wooden planks is your best bet in keeping the storm out of your church. Protecting valuables, property, and other items can also easily be accomplished with the right insurance policies and plans. Financial protection can help your church recover most of what it loses in a hurricane. 

Carriage Trade Insurance is devoted to helping churches receive financial protection, especially for such a time as this. Click here to find out more about how they can assist your congregation. 

1. Communicate. 

Information is comforting and knowledge is power. In times of crisis, it helps to know what you’re dealing with and who can help. Keep the church’s communication lines with local authorities open and have a back-up communications system on hand. Compile a list of important phone numbers and addresses so your church can get in touch with the right people to help out after the disaster. This list should include contact details of local and state emergency departments, insurance agents and representatives, electricity providers and contractors/property managers. 

Also provide staff with an emergency response plan, assign specific responsibilities and train them with regular drills. Set up a communication strategy to contact the congregation either by posting notices on the entrances, by mail or text messages, or even by placing a newspaper notice.

1. Evacuate.

Familiarize your staff and congregation with the community to better locate evacuation routes and zones. Help your congregation, particularly those not familiar with the landscape, by suggesting where to find higher ground or, if safe, keep the church open to those in need of shelter during/after the storm. 

Following these steps will help your church if/when a hurricane strikes your locality. Some of this information was taken from http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes which contains additional pointers on safety and precaution during storms.