Are you disaster-ready?
In our home state of Florida, we’re especially cautious about the devastation hurricane season can bring; but, disaster can strike anywhere, at any time, and in many different ways. Disasters place intensive ministry need on your church or non-profit and its staff, so prudent church and non-profit organization leaders maintain a personal as well as organizational disaster plan—a plan that not only helps during the emergency, but also afterwards. In fact, part of your mission may be to mobilize in times of disaster so it is imperative that your leadership is trained and stocked for an efficient response.
Building and maintaining a disaster supply kit will help you (and your employees and congregation) “weather the storm” if you need to evacuate or live without power for several days. You’ll need a supply of water and packaged or canned food. (Remember to pack the manual can opener!) Blankets or sleeping bags may come in handy, and everyone in the household should have a change of clothes, rain gear and sturdy shoes.
Pack a first aid kit, prescription medications, and a list of your family’s physicians and other important information. Remember the special needs of infants and elderly or disabled household members…and don’t forget about your pets. Also include a portable radio and flashlights, or any necessary “extras” like glasses, batteries, spare car keys and cash.
When preparing your home for disaster strikes, videotape or photograph your personal household contents to help you recall your possessions if you must file an insurance claim. Remind your staff to do the same, to reduce their own stress during these critical times. Be sure your important documents are either available electronically or have been scanned and stored on a jump drive or online database. Obviously, complete and regular backups are essential for all of your electronic data.
The same advice applies to your church or non-profit organization property and information. A video or photographic record of your buildings and grounds will help document their original condition. And make sure your vital membership records, financial data, and important tax and insurance records are scanned, updated regularly, and stored off-site. Again, backing up your data should be part of your regular routine.
So plan ahead, stay safe, and if you want to know more about how Online Stewardship stores your stewardship and accounting records securely and helps support your mission in other ways, call us at (904) 398-4747 or visit our contact page and we’ll give you a call.
