Severe Weather Safety Policy

You will be notified of any cancellation of church events due to weather through a calling post.

Severe Weather Saftety Policy

Purpose: The severe weather policy is to explain what actions are to be taken in the event of severe weather while members are present at the church or on the church grounds.

Policy: The response to severe weather will be coordinated by church officials, deacons or elders/pastor, or by a responsible adult if no church officials are present.  A calm and measured reaction to this event is critical to a safe outcome and should be clearly manifested by those officials or adults on site.

In the event of a tornado or tornado warning, all personnel should seek shelter indoors in small interior rooms without windows or hallways away from doors or windows.  The library in the old sanctuary building is the primary location for people sheltering in the old sanctuary building.  Alternative locations would be in the Palmer wing hallway with the classroom doors shut or the small, interior bathrooms. In the new sanctuary, the safe locations are the 2 rooms located behind the pulpit or in the hallway behind the pulpit.  Avoid outside walls or windows and use arms to protect head and neck areas.  Children, elderly and disabled individuals should be assisted to the safe locations.  Remain sheltered until the threat is passed and church officials or the responsible adult on scene gives an all clear.

In the event of an earthquake, all personnel must remain calm and stay clear of overhead fixtures, windows and electrical equipment.  Church officials as soon as safely possible should direct evacuation from the building.  Once evacuated, personnel should go to the field by the grapevines and church officials should evaluate for anyone missing.  Do not return into the building if any structural damage is noted until as the building may collapse after the quake or secondary quakes may occur.

In the event of a hurricane warning, all church activities will be canceled until the risk has passed.  The church message system will be used if possible to inform the congregation.  If it is reported on the news, however, assume the church activities are canceled even if a church message is not received.  If the hurricane warning occurs while at the church, personnel who cannot safely return home are to seek indoor shelter in the areas designated in the tornado warning section.  They should remain until appropriate personnel can safely evacuate them or until the hurricane warning has passed.

During any weather event, if injuries or fire occur, immediately call 911 and notify emergency services.  Always remain calm and assist those around you as needed with first aid, moral support and prayer.

March 2023