Emergency Planning Step 2: Establish Contact with Local Partners

Think about who in your town, city, or neighborhood could partner with you in case of natural disasters or emergencies.

Local police and fire departments can do an appraisal of your building and give you some guidance. They will be bringing a different perspective and will observe your building and grounds in a completely different light.

If your community doesn’t have a community relations police officer, ask to speak with the school safety officer--they have knowledge to share. Sometimes asking to work with the resource officer of the local high school can help police departments understand what kind of partinership you congregation is looking for.

Your insurance representative can do a review and make suggestions around safety and prevention. Most insurance companies have specialists in this area of expertise.

Don't forget your local charities. In times of disaster, often it's those entities that have disaster plans in place.