Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricane Preparedness For Churches
Every year, Louisiana faces several months of Hurricane Season. Unfortunately, our Team Louisiana churches have not been immune to damage from storms. Now is the time to prepare and plan for that potential and the days that follow.
Suggested Preparations to be made:
Make sure that important information is stored safely and can be obtained easily after the storm clears – this means:
--Up-to-date list of contact information, including physical addresses, for the congregation.
--Insurance information: account numbers, claims contact information.
Backups of important computer records bookkeeping, finances.
--Set up a system of communication to be used after the storm – a phone tree or other means of reaching out to those connected with your church.
--Take photos of the church office equipment, sound equipment, etc.
--Safely store information (serial numbers, receipts, etc.) for equipment in case of a claim for replacement.
--Cover equipment with plastic if a storm is approaching.
Now is the time to address any physical items around the church and grounds – loose brush or debris that could become destructive when picked up by the wind.
Hurricanes can come with lots of rain. Assess your property for any drainage or leakage issues and know where sandbags may be needed for your property if a storm is threatening. Your parish will have sites for sandbag distribution. Remember that most insurance coverage in the state does NOT include wind or hail damage and may result in a shortfall in coverage for some damage.
Crisis Care Kits – we are suggesting that each church keep 3-5 boxes of Crisis Care Kits on site at your church for distribution in your area following a serious storm. Your Mission Area Coordinator will know the location of the closest stockpile of CCK’s, should a large number be needed. A handout with directions for creating Crisis Care Kits are HERE.
In the event of damage to your church:
It is important that you mitigate any damage as soon as it is safe to do so. Tarp any roof damage and secure any broken windows to keep water out of your building. If the power goes out, mold will grow QUICKLY!
Call the Claims phone number for your insurance company and report the damage as soon as possible.
Contact your District Office Team to let them know about the status of your church and share any immediate or long-term needs. A damage report FORM is available here and may be completed online.
Response:
Consider what resources your church can offer to your community following a storm – Crisis Care Kit distribution, cell phone recharging station, food distribution, emergency shelter
The District Nazarene Disaster Response Trailer is available with shower and rest room facilities to be used by response teams for local assistance. Contact the District Office at 318-541-6550 for more information regarding the use of the NDR Trailer.