We as a conference have been praying and fasting for the healing of our nation. We have engaged in this sacred practice because we know that our nation needs it and the potential for civil unrest exists. Therefore, as we pray we are also preparing for the safety and security of those we are called to serve, love, and protect. While some may find this to be extreme, some commentators are predicting various degrees of unrest. Historically, churches have served as community centers of safety and hope.

This preparedness checklist is designed to help your congregation navigate possible crises as they may arise. 

Preparedness Checklist 

Guidance for most of these questions can be found in our BWC  Local Church Disaster Preparedness Manual.

• Are you familiar with the Baltimore-Washington Conference Disaster Preparedness Manual and have you created your Church Disaster Plan? 
• Have you printed page 59 of the BWC Conference Disaster Preparedness Manual? This lists what to do should there be a disaster/civil unrest and who to contact.
• Do you have an active phone roster for leadership?
• Is your church prepared to be utilized as a shelter in compliance with the law? 
• Do you have health practitioners (parish nurses, doctors, EMTs, health ambassadors, etc.) available or a part of the ministry that you can consult as needed?
• Does your congregation have the ability to safely and in compliance with the law, house people for 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours or longer? If so, how many people can you house?
• How will you secure the property? Please see page 47 of the BWC Disaster Preparedness Manual. 
• Do you have a food pantry?
• Do you have water and/or food on the premises? If so, how much? How long will it last?
• Are you a certified food distribution site? If not, what is allowable on your property? (Consult Trustee Chairperson/other designated person).
• Will your congregation be open and accessible to the general public? If so, how can this be done in compliance with federal, state, and local CDC Guidelines?
• Do you as a clergy/layperson plan to engage/attend Polling locations that are not affiliated with a church? How will you do this safely?
• Does your church have an electronic security/surveillance system? Are you able to access it remotely?
• Does your church have an active safety and security ministry? Are there any active or retired law enforcement officers on it? Who is the designated person in your congregation with whom we can be in touch?
• Specific Questions for Clergy:
  • Do you plan to offer any physical support on election day (chaplaincy, etc.), and if so, are you able to do so safely and in compliance with CDC guidelines? 
  • If you plan to participate in polling activities, are you aware of your local election laws and polling guidelines?

Download checklist 

 

Election Night Internal Communication checklist should there be unrest

1. Familiarize yourself with pages 40-87 of the BWC Local Church Disaster Preparedness Manual. 
2. Church leaders (which includes Trustees) are asked to immediately contact local authorities as needed. (If you see something, say something.)
3. Pastoral leader, please contact your DS immediately. Please give the DS the following:        
1. Are you in a safe place? Who is with you?
2. Has local law enforcement been contacted and informed of the crisis?
3. A detailed description of what is happening/has happened - are there any injuries to persons or property?
4. Advisory: Please make sure that laptops and phones are charged and ready.

Questions? See our Preparedness FAQs.

 
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