Severe Weather Preparedness Week 2024

March 3 – 9, 2024, is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in North Carolina. Severe weather can range from thunderstorms, tornadoes, winter weather, and floods. Here are a few ways you can prepare your congregants and church for severe weather: 

📋 Create a Plan

Develop or review your emergency plan. Make sure to have a list of emergency contacts. Create a calling tree to check on congregation or family members following a storm.

Download a church disaster plan template→

Watch a bilingual video from NC State Extension on developing a family plan in case of emergencies→

🧰 Build an Emergency Kit

Create a kit that contains food, water, and supplies for up to 72 hours. Include medications, spare batteries, flashlights, cash, and identification in your kit. Don’t forget your pets when you are gathering supplies. 

Visit the American Red Cross, FEMA, or ReadyNC websites for a list of items to include in your kit.

View NC Volunteers Active in Disaster (VOAD)’s Preparation Checklist for Older Adults→
Preparation Checklist for Older Adults (Spanish Translation)→

🏢 Prepare the Property

Make sure to secure loose items and weatherize the building. Check if your insurance policy is active, what it covers, how to file claims for storm damage, and keep an inventory of your belongings and their conditions during the off-season to be better prepared for a storm. Also, make sure to have copies of essential documents. 

📢 Emergency Updates

Stay up to date with the latest weather updates by checking out the National Weather Service websites for Raleigh, Wilmington, and Morehead City. Know where your local emergency shelters are located and what the evacuation routes are for your location. 
For more information on emergency alerts, visit readync.org or ncdps.gov.

📎 Additional Resources

Visit our preparation page to learn more about individual and church preparation. View additional preparation resources by topic: 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance company for more information.