Wildfires and other disasters: Does your church have a recovery plan?
some catastrophes can’t be prevented. does that mean we do nothing?
Natural disasters – even those with vivid TV news imagery – can seem abstract. Although real, they often feel remote and unlikely to directly impact our lives. This year’s desolating wildfires in Los Angeles remind us that we’re all vulnerable to the forces of nature.
At least 14 houses of worship were destroyed in the recent outbreak of California fires. Is there anything your congregation or nonprofit can do to protect itself?
While we can’t stop a wildfire, there are preemptive actions organizations can take to reduce their risk. And even when property itself cannot be saved, proactive churches and nonprofits can act to ensure their work continues after a catastrophe.
“Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. ”
Don’t fuel the fire
Sometimes there’s no extinguishing the overwhelming force of a wildfire. However, not every blaze reaches inferno status. That means some preparation could protect your property when flames advance.
U.S. Fire Administration
First on the list is removing sources of fuel. Bushes and trees that tightly surround your building should be removed. Piles of debris, such as mulch, leaves and wood, should be relocated away from structures. Debris should regularly be removed from roofs and gutters. Flammable liquids and accelerants of any sort should be stored apart from the main building.
U.S. Fire Administration
In addition, the best offense is a good defense. If your facility has sprinklers or other fire suppression equipment, conduct regular tests to make sure they’re working.
Is your house in order?
Beyond these property maintenance tasks, the bulk of our preparation should be aimed at post-fire recovery.
We hope you never have to go through it. But if your building suffers a catastrophe, your insurance coverage will take center stage. Do you understand what you’re paying for? Simply having some sort of coverage is not enough.
Insurance is an expense, true. But it’s also an investment. Organizations get the most from their insurance policy when they stop viewing it as a doorstop and begin to see it as a component of their ministry or work. Disaster preparation answers the question, “What is our insurance for?”
In other words, do we want enough coverage to:
Pay off the mortgage and then shut our doors?
Rebuild our facility at half its previous size?
Reconstruct a building similar in size and function?
These are questions few answer – or even ask. Property insurance coverage is not generic. Each policy is based on the information provided to your insurer about your facility. That data is used to determine your settlement. If the information is faulty or incomplete, your insurance settlement may fall short of your reconstruction needs. Are you insured for the cost of replacing your facility in today’s dollars? Make sure.
“When disaster strikes, the time to prepare has passed.”
Beyond the building
Insurance concerns tend to focus on property, but there are other factors to consider.
For example, if your facility is destroyed, where will you meet? It’s reasonable to expect some members of the congregation will move on. Some may have lost their own property in a fire and will need to relocate. In addition, you’ll likely need to rent space for services and maybe for offices. Your business equipment (computers, printers, furniture) may have been destroyed and need to be replaced. All of these factors can strain organizational finances while you await a new facility. Business Interruption Insurance provides operational funding during reconstruction. In addition, Business Contents Insurance replaces things that aren’t part of the building (instruments, soundboards, appliances) but are still essential. While rebuilding is the focal point, a congregation must be able to persevere until the grand re-opening.
“The only thing harder than planning for an emergency is explaining why you didn’t. ”
The day after
News reports on churches destroyed by fires or floods often feature an interview with a pastor who concludes, “We’re checking with our insurance to see what’s covered.”
Sadly, this is when many people first become acquainted with their coverage. As multiple challenges converge, the congregation may discover it was painfully unprepared.
Don’t procrastinate
The only “good” thing about a disaster is that it momentarily captures our attention. Houses of worship and nonprofits can use the California wildfires as an impetus to prepare for a crisis before it happens. Then, if it does hit, you’ll be able to envision a future that extends beyond the current loss. If catastrophe bypasses you, be thankful. You’ve lost nothing but have gained peace of mind because a plan is in place.
“Chance favors the prepared mind.”
Action steps
Make sure you know your church’s insured value; update it if necessary. Building valuation services are free to Ministry Pacific clients and are provided to others for a fee. Learn more about building valuation.
Get an insurance checkup. Do you have Business Interruption Insurance? Business Contents Insurance? Is it adequate for your needs? Contact us for a free consultation.
Are you effectively managing your property to reduce the threat of fire? Learn more about fire prevention here.