Summer 2020 will be one that we will never forget. Let this summer be the summer of planning, protecting, and restoring your church’s facilities. As your church begins to reopen, you have a perfect opportunity to perform general maintenance and repairs to protect your members and visitors.
OUTSIDE
The hot summer sun can do a number on your building’s exterior. Observe the exterior of your building and take note of any peeling paint or exterior area in need of repair. Also, inspect exterior and emergency lighting to ensure your building is properly lit during evening hours.
Clear debris from any gutters and storm drains to allow proper water flow and drainage during storms. Doing this, along with securing any loose materials or siding will help prepare your building for any summer weather events that have potential to damage to your facility.
Windows and doors are popular areas for leaks and cracks. Carefully look over these areas for cracks in the seal around the frames or the frames themselves. This will help reduce utility costs as well by keeping cool air in and warm air out.
INSIDE
When it is warm outside, make sure your members and visitors are comfortable inside. If you haven’t already, have a certified HVAC professional check and repair your heating and air conditioning system. Taking care of this system now will help your church have a joy and spirit-filled reopening. This will also assist in providing proper circulation in the building.
During this time of extended vacancy, review your church's emergency evacuation and weather emergency plans. Conduct simulated walkthroughs and make repairs to any areas that could be hazardous to individuals needing to exit or relocate within the building during an emergency. Partnering with your local fire department will help give you access to the expertise you need to make the most appropriate plans for your church. Adjust your plans based on their recommendations and present any changes to ministry leadership.
PLANNING
After conducting an internal and exterior check meeting with your building facility team and church leadership to outline a plan of repair. Whether that is contacting contractors to conduct repairs or scheduling a time for a small group to perform routine maintenance, preparing and executing a maintenance plan will help your ministry be good stewards of the resources God has provided you with. Also, form a plan for continued monitoring of your ministry’s facilities. Follow your ministry's record-keeping policies and practices to properly document and store this information. Review previous maintenance reports to identify trends or problem areas that may need more permanent solutions.
When you are covered by UMIP, we will be there when you need us. Churches have unique needs. As a part of the denomination, we understand the unique needs of United Methodist churches and their operations, which is reflected in our coverage options. Your ministry deserves outstanding insurance and UMIP works for you each day to help protect your church’s people, property, and finances.
Let's talk! Contact us at 484-654-3380 or at UMI@sovinsurance.com.
This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states.
The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.