The weather outside may start looking a little frightful. Luckily, the United Methodist Insurance Program has developed a checklist to help you prepare for winter weather. Check the following areas of your property to make sure you are prepared for the winter season:
Heating System Check
You may remember the last time your church’s furnace was turned on. But what about the last time it was serviced? It is important that your heating system functions properly and efficiently. If systems are not maintained, the risk of fire and release of carbon monoxide and other gases increases. Contact a local HVAC professional and have them inspect your system for repairs and maintenance needs.
Pipes, Gutters and Drainage
Don’t let a busted pipe disrupt the flow of service or cause excess damage. Examine and take the necessary action to prevent frozen or burst pipes. Verify that all drains flow and inspect drains for debris that could clog the pipes during the cold months. It may be necessary to get professional help to remove dangerous accumulations or repair damaged or blocked drainage systems. Also, gutters should be clear of debris and free-flowing to avoid backup of water and the creation of ice dams which can direct melting water into the building.
Roofing
Snow white rooftops are beautiful and could be gorgeous on your social media. However, too much snow on your property’s roof could become a problem. Accumulation of snow or ice on the roof can stress the structure and cause damage to shingles, gutters, downspouts, and flashing. Also, melting snow or ice coming from the roof could become dangerous for your ministry visitors. Periodically examine the roof and the amount of snow on the roof. If necessary, call a local expert to remove snow to relieve pressure and reduce risk.
Walkways
Make sure every visitor can enter the church with joy and love in their heart and not pain from a slip or fall. Inspect all walkways, entrances, exits, and parking areas for ice or snow accumulations. Make sure handrails and guardrails for ramps are free from ice. Minimize the risk of your visitors becoming injured on the way to your ministry’s event. Be sure to shovel snow away and use salt for any potentially icy walkways.
Windows and Doors
Keep the heat in and save your ministry money on your utility bill. Inspect the windows and doors of your facility. Weatherizing your windows and doors will help your church regulate temperatures, extend the life and health of your HVAC system, and continue your ministry's efforts to be good stewards of the resources you have been blessed with by God.
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.