Emergency Planning
Emergency Planning for Our Work
There are many reasons to proactively and thoroughly make an emergency plan related to your church’s communication and administration. These include hacks and security threats, unplanned staff absences, natural disasters, and tragedies, like an employee’s long-term unavailability or death.
Who would have access to your church’s social media accounts? Your database or CRM system? Your email newsletter or Canva templates?
Take a look at this list – how prepared is your organization? What would you add? Let us know in the comments.
Passwords
Password Protected for digital, but good to keep an updated print copy as well
Remember multi-factor authentication to change phone numbers
Have multiple admins for church social media accounts
Building Access
Security System arming and disarming
Key fobs
Security Cameras
Keys
Staff & Lay Leader Emergency Contacts
Phone/email for spouse/partner/other emergency contacts
Technology Access
Phone System and Voicemail access
Database Access
Website
Live-stream tools
Copy Machines
Financials Access: Have a conversation with your bank and any institution that processes money (IE: Paypal, Givebutter, Square, or other donation processing system) about what to do in the event that the point of contact/guarantor becomes unavailable. Document and follow their instruction to a T.
Cross-Training Vestry or other Staff
Who might be responsible for what in your absence
Daily and Weekly Tasks
Things that cannot be overlooked
Diocesan Resources and Contacts
Who you can reach out to for support and help
Building & Grounds Emergencies
Contact Information for Contractors
Plumber
Electrician
Restoration/Cleanup/Environmental Health
IT
HVAC
Insurance
Who to contact for what
Data Loss & Retrieval
On-site server backup
Cloud-based computer backups
Where is what?
Emergency shut off for water
Emergency shut off for gas
Breaker Boxes
Fire extinguishers
First aid kits
Panic buttons
AED
Emergency Contacts
County/City Information with 911 and non-emergency numbers