How to Prepare Your Church for Severe Weather: Practical Steps and Resources
From severe thunderstorms and tornadoes to ice storms and hurricanes, weather risks are part of life in every community. Churches—often centers for shelter, hope, and recovery—must take weather safety seriously. By preparing now, you’ll protect your people, your property, and your ministry’s ability to serve, no matter what the forecast holds.
1. Review Your Emergency Plan
If your church doesn’t already have a written emergency or disaster plan, start one today. Make sure it outlines:
Clear communication chains for staff and volunteers
Safe shelter locations inside your building
Evacuation routes and assembly points
Practice your plan with leaders and key volunteers at least once a year.
2. Inspect and Maintain Your Buildings
Routine maintenance prevents small issues from becoming big losses. Before storm season:
Clear gutters, check for roof leaks, and trim nearby trees and limbs
Secure loose outdoor equipment, playsets, banners, or signage
Make sure windows and doors close securely and are clearly marked for exits
3. Protect Important Assets and Records
Store copies of digital and paper records—church rolls, insurance policies, banking, and giving records—in a secure, offsite location or cloud drive. Move musical instruments, electronics, or irreplaceable art away from windows and floors where flooding might occur.
4. Prepare Emergency Supplies
Stock easily accessible “go bags” with flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, bottled water, chargers, and weather radios. Have basic repair supplies—like tarps and duct tape—on hand for quick post-storm fixes.
5. Keep Your Congregation Informed
Share weather alerts and preparedness information by email, group text, or social media. Let everyone know the church’s plan for shelter, closure, or assistance before severe weather arrives.
6. Double-Check Your Insurance Coverage
Talk with your insurance advisor about property and business interruption coverage, deductible amounts, and what’s included for disaster clean-up. Ensure you have the right protection for what matters most.
7. Partner with Local Agencies and Resources
Coordinate with local emergency services and relief organizations now—don’t wait until a crisis. Many agencies offer free planning resources, and some may use your facility as an emergency site with the right preparations.
Be Ready, Stay Safe
With these steps, your church will be better protected—and more prepared to care for the community—no matter the weather. For more tools, downloadable checklists, or a coverage review, reach out to the 1225 United team. Together, we can build safe havens for faith, fellowship, and hope… no matter the storm.
