Hurricane Preparedness Guidelines for Churches

• Hurricane Preparedness Guide (Church Mutual)

• Business Hurricane Toolkit (ready.gov)

• Business Manual Para Hurricanes (ready.gov)

For Individuals:

• Disaster Supply Checklist (Florida Dept of Emergency Management)

Hurricane preparedness for churches – 2023

Every year, Florida faces several months of Hurricane Season. Unfortunately, our Team Florida 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. 

Prepare:

1.       Make sure that important information is stored safely and can be obtained easily after the storm clears – this means:

a.      Up-to-date list of contact information, including physical addresses, for the congregation.

b.      Insurance information:  account numbers, claims contact information.

c.       Backups of important computer records – bookkeeping, finances.

2.      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.

3.      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.

4.      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.

5.      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 county will have sites for sandbag distribution.

6.      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.

7.      We’re asking every church to please complete this SURVEY to help us know the Disaster Response resources available across the district. 

In the event of damage to your church:

1.      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!

2.      Call the Claims phone number for your insurance company and report the damage as soon as possible.   

3.      Contact your Mission Area Coordinator 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 will be on the Florida District website. 

Response:

1.      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.

2.      The District Nazarene Disaster Response Trailer is available with tools and equipment to be used by response teams for local assistance.  Contact Randal Benton at 863-399-3149 for more information regarding the use of the NDR Trailer.

Additional resource:  This Business Hurricane Toolkit from ready.gov has a great self-assessment tool for hurricane preparedness.  The toolkit is also available in Spanish.