Pray for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Tornado. Shooting. Hurricane. Fire. Whatever form it takes, we always feel like a disaster can’t happen to our church – until it does.

Of course, you can’t prevent disasters from striking your church. You can, however, prepare for them. In fact, immediate response during a time of crisis can save lives and thousands of dollars. It may also allow you to resume normal church operations more quickly.

Where to Begin?

The best way to prepare for a disaster is to create a disaster-management plan. Such a plan gives you a framework for what do to when disaster strikes. Think of it as a calming voice of reason at a time when thinking rationally may be a challenge.

Your disaster-management plan should address church violence and natural disasters such as fire and severe weather. The plan should also include steps for communicating within the organization and to the media in the event of an emergency. Finally, the plan should address disaster-recovery measures such as alternate meeting space in the event the church building is unavailable; backup of important paper documents and information stored on church computers; and secure storage of written, photographic and/or videotaped inventory of church property and furnishings.

Create a Communication Action Plan

If church activities need to be cancelled or rescheduled, someone needs to get the word out. Select one person to start the chain of communication. Also, keep local emergency numbers handy, and create a list of people in the organization (along with their phone numbers) to be called in case of emergency.

Depending on the scope of your church’s disaster, you may be contacted by the media. Designate one or two people to take inquiries from the media, and direct all calls to them.

Fire Emergencies

Whether it’s accidental or deliberate, a fire can be devastating to a church. Sadly, arson is the leading cause of commercial building fires, with more than 37,500 structure fires intentionally set in the United States each year. The mental and emotional loss of a church building due to arson can be as great as the physical damage itself.

Planning

Evaluate your buildings and the church’s schedule. You should know:

What parts of the church may be occupied at any given time

In addition to regular church services, consider the timing and attendance of preschools, Sunday schools, other classes and meetings.

The physical features of each building

Document the type of construction, heating systems, smoke barrier systems (such as fire doors), and locations of fire exits and elevators.

The location of emergency resources

Where are the fire-alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting and detection devices (such as smoke, heat or flame detectors)?

How to exit the buildings

Develop evacuation routes, and prepare a diagram for each building containing the evacuation route and the location of fire emergency resources. Post the building’s diagram in prominent locations.

Where to assemble outside

Designate a safe location outside of the building where everyone should gather while you wait for the fire department. Conduct regular fire drills and create a system to account for individuals.

Emergency Actions

If someone sees or suspects a fire, the following steps should be taken:

• Pull the closest fire alarm to start an evacuation.
• Call 911.
• If there is no immediate danger to yourself or others, use the nearest fire extinguishers to put out a small fire.
• If there is an immediate danger, exit the building using the closest evacuation route. Do not use elevators.
• Assemble outside the facility in the designated areas.
• Account for all individuals once assembled in the designated areas.
• Follow all instructions from the fire department and police.
• Do not go back into the building. Re-enter only after the all-clear is given by the fire department.