Hurricane Preparedness Timeline

 

Phase 1 – Tropical System Identified (14–10 Days Before Potential Impact)

 

Objective: Begin monitoring and early planning.

 

Operations Team

  • Send a daily leadership weather briefing.
  • Monitor National Hurricane Center forecasts and forecast models.
  • Notify Campus Hurricane Response Teams.
  • Verify staff emergency contact information and travel plans.
  • Instruct campuses to verify emergency supplies and equipment.
  • Inspect sandbags.

 

Communications

  • Notify staff to monitor church communications.
  • Prepare email, text, website, and social media messages for potential activation.



Phase 2 – Increased Threat (10–5 Days Before Potential Impact)

 

Objective: Begin operational readiness.

 

Operations Team

  • Evaluate potential impacts to each campus.
  • Identify essential personnel who will remain available.
  • Confirm staff members who may need to evacuate early.
  • Review recovery and communication plans.

 

Campus Hurricane Response Teams

  • Conduct a full exterior campus inspection.
  • Record video of the interior and exterior of all buildings for insurance documentation send to Director of Operations.
  • Begin securing nonessential equipment and materials.
  • Fuel church vehicles and equipment.
  • Verify emergency tools and supplies are accessible. (sandbags prepared)
  • Trim tree limbs that pose an immediate risk to buildings, if time permits.
  • Clean gutters and roof drains.
  • Remove debris from storm drains.


Phase 3 – High Confidence of Impact (96 Hours Before Expected Impact)

 

Objective: Complete major preparations.

 

Operations Team

  • Notify the church's insurance carrier of the potential impact.
  • Ensure adequate cash and financial resources are available if needed following the storm.
  • Verify all campuses have completed required preparations.
  • Confirm key leadership assignments and communication methods.

 

Directional Leadership Team

  • Staff and families requiring extended travel should prepare to evacuate within the next 48 hours.
  • Confirm the location and communication plan for all key leaders during the storm.

 

Campus Hurricane Response Teams

  • Remove or secure outdoor furniture.
  • Remove temporary shade structures.
  • Shut down irrigation systems.
  • Secure exterior signage.
  • Protect windows when appropriate.
  • Raise valuable equipment, electronics, and important documents at least 24 inches above floor level where flooding is possible.

 

Communications

  • Notify the congregation of potential schedule changes.
  • Update the church website and social media platforms.


Phase 4 – Hurricane Warning (Direct or Indirect Impact Expected) (72 Hours Before Expected Impact)

 

Objective: Complete campus shutdown and suspend normal operations.

 

Operations Team

  • Cancel all meetings, events, and nonessential activities.
  • Verify all campuses have completed storm preparations.

 

Campus Hurricane Response Teams

  • Complete a final walkthrough of all buildings.
  • Pray together before departing.
  • Ensure all doors are locked and secured.
  • Post a notice on the main entrance indicating the campus is closed and provide a contact number for emergencies.
  • Relocate vehicles and trailers if necessary.
  • Notify the Director of Operations that the campus has been secured.

 

Utility Shutdown

When directed by the Director of Operations, shut off the main source for:

  • Electricity
  • Water
  • Natural Gas
  • Propane

 

Staff Evacuation

The following staff should strongly consider evacuating before traffic and weather conditions deteriorate:

  • Staff with medical needs
  • Staff with young children
  • Staff who must travel long distances
  • Staff living in evacuation zones
  • Staff with special family or caregiving responsibilities

 

Goal: Ensure these staff members safely leave the area before evacuation routes become congested and hazardous.