Dear Churches, In the Event of a Hurricane

In the Event of a Hurricane

More churches in hurricane-prone locations are standing in as storm shelters. Yet many aren’t prepared to protect their own property or members.

Church leaders don’t usually think of their buildings as evacuation shelters – until a storm hits. Unfortunately, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts up to eight named hurricanes in the next year – including four that could reach “major” status.

As hurricane seasons grow longer and more intense, more people in at-risk locations are turning to churches for shelter from the storm. One reason: Many communities are discovering they have a shortage of established shelters in the right locations.

And that’s when many churches discover they’re not really prepared for a hurricane. Our Hurricane Preparedness Guide, available online for any organization, can help churches take practical measures to protect their people and property.

Annual hurricane preparation checklist
During hurricane season, church leaders should ask themselves if they are adequately prepared. Start with these questions:

• Does your insurance cover hurricane damage – and do you have adequate coverage?
• Do you have a written inventory of building contents?
• Have you identified safe areas?
• Do you have first-aid supplies on hand?
• Have you located water, gas, and electrical shutoffs?
• Is someone responsible for protecting the windows, doors and wall openings?
• Are buildings free from overhanging branches and trees?
• Are gutters clear and is the roof in good repair?
• Is valuable property stored in safe areas?
• Do you have repair materials on hand (sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber)?

Consider the risks of providing shelter  

Once your church is prepared for hurricane season, church leaders can decide if they want to offer shelter to storm evacuees. It’s important to have the latest legal information before deciding to provide sanctuary.

Housing people in a facility not intended as living quarters can pose a variety of risks and legal liabilities – as some of our policyholders have learned the hard way. Before using your facility as an emergency shelter, consider the following:

• Are there adequate sleeping areas?
• Are there separate bathrooms/shower facilities for men and women?
• How will you respond to a medical emergency?
• Is there adequate security and protection for the people you are housing?

Understand local statutes, fire and safety codes
After you’ve discussed the potential liabilities and risks of providing shelter with local legal counsel, ask local municipal authorities about existing restrictions. Some statutes may prevent worship centers from providing temporary living accommodations.

Seek guidance from your local fire department, too. They can conduct a survey of the living area to determine if it is code compliant. They’ll also let you know if you need additional emergency exits, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms or more fire extinguishers.

Prevent problems with clear guidelines

If you’ve decided to offer sanctuary, establish guidelines to help keep evacuees – and your congregation – safe. Spell out policies and procedures for all sanctuary-related activities – in multiple languages, if needed.

Whether or not your church decides to open its doors to people in peril, be sure you’re prepared to weather a hurricane.

Contributed by Ed Hancock, vice president – chief underwriting officer, Church Mutual Insurance Company