Sources of Insurance for Churches and Ministries It is convenient and often beneficial to rely on members of the congregation for insurance advice and for the placement of coverage. The members have a vested interest in protecting the church’s well-being and it gives the church the opportunity to help a member’s business. However, care should be used to ensure that the member understands the insurance needs of the church and can place that coverage with a company whose policies are designed to meet the specific needs of religious organizations. 1. Select an agent with experience in working with churches. An agent who regularly works with churches is more likely to have authority to place business with companies that serve the church market (e.g. GuideOne, Church Mutual, The Brotherhood, Philadelphia, etc.) 2. Ask for references from other churches. You may also want to seek recommendations from other churches in your area, your district or conference. 3. If your policy is not placed with a company that specializes in the church market, make sure that the policy has endorsements that provide coverage that meets the minimum insurance requirements. 4. Pay attention to sexual misconduct, pastoral counseling liability, and coverage for property (e.g. stained glass) and other exposures (e.g. day care, recreational sports) that may be excluded under normal business owners policies designed to meet the needs of for-profit small businesses. The United Methodist Insurance Program is available to all churches and agencies that are or have been a part of the United Methodist connection. UMIP’s exclusive agent is Sovereign Insurance Group (Sovereign). Sovereign relationship with 20 carriers that focus on churches, is able to serve specialty markets like summer camps, and has been providing insurance to houses of worship, denominations, and non-profits for 60 years. Click here to download the full UMIP Insurance Buying Guide 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.

Many churches may have a "set it and forget it" policy when it comes to insurance. There are 7 best practices when it comes to renewing your insurance - make sure you know them when it comes time for your ministry's renewal. Start the process with your agent 90 to 120 days before your current policy’s expiration date. Meet with your agent to discuss any changes to your property and operations (e.g. added a day care or began overseas mission trips). Request loss runs or statements of no loss through your current agent. Complete the application as completely and accurately as possible. Provide any additional information from the above review that will help your agent understand your risk. Ask your agent which carriers they plan to ask to provide a quote for your insurance. It is not always advisable to shop your risk every year. If the pricing, terms, and service are good then you should consider shopping every three to five years. Consider evaluating a new agent every three to five years. If you are very satisfied with your agent, you may consider a longer period. UMIP is here to help. We have written a comprehensive BUYING GUIDE for churches that will help you in your journey. Become more informed during the insurance buying process by downloading today! 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.

Your church is not just a building, it’s a sacred space. It is important that you protect and prepare your ministry and members for potential risks and consequential financial hardships. These are three types of coverage every place of worship should consider after assessing all risks: Crime Insurance: Fidelity bonds, also known as “employee dishonesty” or “crime insurance,” are just as important for church organizations as they are for businesses. These policies can insure your ministry against loss by larceny, theft, embezzlement, forgery, misappropriation, or other dishonest acts by employees. Hot Tip 1: Ask your agent if a blanket policy that covers both employees and volunteers and doesn’t require listing names or positions of all persons covered is more appropriate for your ministry than the coverage in your current policy. Hot Tip 2: Don’t forget that the Book of Discipline requires that you obtain a bond for your treasurer. This may be the best way to get the coverage and limits you need as well as coverage for volunteers . Flood Insurance: Floods can happen anywhere, and flood insurance can help you recover faster when floodwaters recede. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides flood insurance to all churches and their parsonages within participating NFPIP communities. Your insurance agent will know whether a community has qualified for this coverage. Hot Tip: Secure your policy before the floodwaters start to rise! There’s typically a 30-day waiting period for an NFIP policy to go into effect. This can be waived if coverage is mandated by a federally backed lender or is related to a change to a community flood map. Event Cancellation Insurance: This insurance protects against lost profits and expenses from cancelled events, such as an outdoor fund-raising event that is rained out. It is essentially a specific form of “business interruption” coverage. Hot Tip: Purchase this insurance well in advance of the event. UMIP is here to help. Explore 15 more insurance coverage policies in our comprehensive INSURANCE BUYING GUIDE for churches. Take control of the insurance buying process by downloading today ! 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.

So, you've decided to shop insurance for your ministry - but how to know which one? The first step is to compare apples to apples. Are limits, deductibles, and exclusions all the same? That's just the starting point. Your agent should help with this – cheap coverage can be very expensive. Watch out for coinsurance penalties. One way of lowering property premium is to insure to limits that are below the replacement cost. Make sure that value meets the minimum replacement value of the property or you may incur a penalty on a partial loss and a recovery that is less than the replacement cost in the event of a total loss. Consider the service reputation of the carriers. A carrier with fast, fair, and honest claims handling services can be a great value at a time that may be critical to the ongoing life of the church. Many carriers offer a wide variety of risk management services that could help prevent loss and save the church money. Take these into consideration. They may not be the sole determining factor but if the choice is close they could be the deciding factor. Consider the financial position of the carriers. It is recommended that you use only carriers with an A.M. Best rating of “A-” and above. Three-year policies. Some carriers offer three-year terms with their coverage. Read the fine print. An offer of a three-year term does not always mean that the price and conditions will stay the same for the life of the contract. It is important to understand what events may trigger changes in your price or coverage. When changing deductibles, consider your loss history and potential exposure. UMIP is here to help. We have written a comprehensive BUYING GUIDE for churches that will help you in your journey. Become more informed during the insurance buying process by downloading today! 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.

Disaster planning can be overwhelming. For example - more than half the churches affected by Hurricane Katrina did not have a disaster plan in place prior to the disaster. Successful disaster preparedness is like a puzzle— best solved working one component at a time. Check out the ten proven steps your ministry can take to begin preparations before it's too late. 1. Communicate Effectively Poor planning around communication can lead to many difficulties during and after a disaster. Most churches already have the bare bones for creating a solid communication plan. Take stock of email and phone lists, keep your contact information up-to-date, and plan how you will use your social media presence to broadcast needs to help the community. 2. Be Vigilant Some locations are more at risk for hurricanes, while others are more at risk for tornadoes. Identify which disastrous events are most likely to occur in your area, then create disaster plans for each potential event. Planning for different disasters (i.e., hurricane, flood, tsunami) is always wise, as they may require different plans of action. 3. Practice Drills Run evacuation drills and prepare for the possibility of sheltering-in-place. An active shooter situation, a chemical spill, or a civil disturbance in the area may make it unsafe for people to leave for extended periods of time. Consider what it will take to house and feed people sheltering-in-place and prepare your emergency kit accordingly. You should also consider what it will mean for all church members – including the elderly, those with small children, and those with disabilities – to exit the church and the area safely. 4. Take Inventory Having an inventory streamlines the claims adjustment process. Often, after a disaster occurs, the building is completed, but the content claim lingers because it’s difficult to piece together what contents were in the building that was damaged or destroyed. Luckily, smartphones make it much easier to take inventory! Instead of writing down all the contents of each of your buildings, record them on video and take snapshots of serial numbers when appropriate. 5. Make Improvements If funds permit, consider having an expert conduct an inspection and provide improvement recommendations improvements to your facilities to potentially decrease damage from natural disasters and severe weather. This could include installing an automatic generator or sump pumps, or even be as simple as making sure that gutters are securely anchored. 6. Heed Warnings Some disasters hit hard and fast without warning, while others (like hurricanes) come with warning windows. Take advantage of whatever warning you have by boarding up windows, raising valuables off the ground, and nailing down loose furnishings. You can also clear your property of any dead or dry plant matter and trim trees so that dead or dying branches do not become projectiles. This type of outdoor clean-up makes your church safer during any kind of strong storm. 7. Delegate Tasks To maximize efficiency, church leaders should decide who is going to be responsible for what task after major events. This includes considerations such as: Who will manage the contractor? Who will reach out to the church roster to determine if anyone needs help? Who will keep records? This type of preparation has the added benefit of creating a team of church leaders and members who you know will be available and ready to help should a disaster occur. 8. Make Cross-Denominational Overtures Reach out to other churches in your area to see how you can help each other before, during, and after disasters occur. For example, you could make an agreement with another church that each could use the other’s facilities to hold services in case either of your buildings needs to be shut down for repairs or restoration. You can also plan for how you can respond to victims’ needs in the community in the aftermath of a disaster. 9. Prepare to Pivot You may have resources allocated toward ministries that will better serve the church in other ways after disaster strikes. Think about the different ways in which you can be flexible with your ministries to serve your community after it has been hit by a disaster. 10. Pre-qualify Contractors: The first 48 hours after a loss can have a huge impact on the total cost and duration of the claim. Make sure you have a restoration contractor that you trust at the ready in case of an emergency. It’s important to vet the contractor ahead of time. Emergency preparedness can feel like a daunting task, but taking a few simple steps today can alleviate major headaches down the road. UMI is here to help. Download the Emergency Preparedness for Natural Disasters and Extreme Weather Handbook for Churches for FREE TODAY! 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.

Emergency kits are essential components of effective disaster preparedness. Having the appropriate food, water, and safety supplies readily available during disasters can drastically reduce the effects of unexpected challenges. We've compiled a list of our top essentials. Check them out and get started today! Safety Necessities Here are key items you should consider gathering for your emergency kit: NOAA Weather Radio Flashlights Batteries Whistle (to signal for help) Dust masks, plastic sheeting, and duct tape Moist wipes Garbage bags Wrench, pliers, manual can opener Maps Extra mobile phone, charger, battery back-up2021 Insurance policy Matches and fire extinguisher Paper and pencils Thick blankets or sleeping bags First Aid Fundamentals A First Aid kit should also be included within your emergency kit, and include items such as: Pain relievers Bandages, gauze, and tape Alcohol wipes Chemical cold packs Disposable gloves Scissors Thermometer Tweezers Antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone ointment Food Provisions Be sure to add food that will last for approximately 72 hours to your emergency kit. You should always be considerate of those with dietary restrictions – such as vegetarians, diabetics, or people with allergies – and make sure that they will be accommodated by your food supply, too. Here are some ideas of what to include: Protein bars Peanut butter (if no one is allergic to peanuts) Canned juice or pasteurized milk Baby food Dried fruit, nuts, and granola Canned vegetables or beans Water Solutions Calculate the amount of water that you will need over 72 hours and purchase and store bottled water to meet those demands. This can be difficult to determine in a church setting. Will you store water for those on staff only, or enough to provide for your entire church population? Keep in mind that medical emergencies and hot climates increase water demands. It is important to stay cool and inactive to minimize the amount of water you will need. Never ration water. Drink uncontaminated water first and avoid drinking suspicious water for as long as you can. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, both of which can have dehydrating effects. UMI is here to help. Have other questions about disaster prep for ministries? Want more articles like this? Download the Emergency Preparedness for Natural Disasters and Extreme Weather Handbook for Churches for FREE today! 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.

While many unite for community restoration during emergencies, others take advantage of survivors when they’re most vulnerable. From crooks posing as repair experts to hustlers pocketing GoFundMe donations, scammers know no bounds. Fortunately, with thorough research, strategic investigations, and proper vendor vetting, disaster-related scams can be avoided. With warmer weather comes an increased potential for natural disasters, and now is the time to remain vigilant to protect your ministry. Common scams to avoid: - Construction scams - FEMA scams - Charity scams Key tips: - If you have already vetted and selected a restoration company, you will know exactly whom to call when disaster strikes. - Look into charities that are endorsed by state and local authorities, such as hospitals, and community not-for-profit organizations, such as food banks. Read the full article in the Emergency Preparedness for Natural Disasters and Extreme Weather Handbook. 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.

Disasters can tremendously impact the lives of those affected, and it’s only natural to step in and lend a helping hand– especially to those in our local communities. Historically, congregations have significantly aided and supported their neighbors during challenging times, often setting an example for others. While an instinct may be to jump in and help, it is critical to assess community needs, identify available resources, and develop a comprehensive relief plan to maximize the impact of all contributions. When a disaster occurs, there are three important things to remember: - Survivors’ needs come first - Reach out to the community at large - Stay aware Key tips: - Pre-plan and know your church roster’s demographics. - Don’t make assumptions about what people have and what they need. Continue reading in the Emergency Preparedness for Natural Disasters and Extreme Weather Handbook. 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.

Natural disasters throughout history have taught us the importance of being prepared. Since emergencies often disproportionately impact older adults and individuals with disabilities, you must take additional precautions to ensure their safety. With proper planning and effective communication among your staff and volunteers, you can safeguard all your congregation. Utilize our IPCP method (Identify · Plan · Communicate · Practice) to create comprehensive plans of action that’ll protect your congregation. Identify The first step to creating safety solutions is identifying those in your congregation that will require additional assistance in the case of an emergency. It is recommended to designate either an individual or small task force, and to always operate with tact. Once individuals have been identified, you will need to meet with them and their families to discuss their specific needs and the appropriate measures that must be taken to achieve a safe and swift exit. Plan One safety plan does not work for all, so make time to tailor a plan of action to each member. Non-ambulatory persons and individuals with mobility limitations, aids, or devices may require additional assistance. People with hearing or visual limitations and sensory challenges may need specific warning and response plans. Brainstorm and plan for the various scenarios that could potentially occur, devising the smartest courses of action. Be sure to create multiple emergency routes and evacuation paths from several places on your church’s property — not just the sanctuary! What’s the best exit for those in wheelchairs? Is a plan in place for transporting older adults from each level of the facility safely? The time to start thinking is now. Communicate Once you’ve worked with your members, their families, staff, and volunteers to develop exhaustive plans, you must share all critical information with the appropriate individuals. Clearly communicate with and train your emergency personnel team- this can include ushers, greeters, staff, teachers, medical providers, and anyone else that you’ll need to rely on during emergencies. Make sure all parties understand their roles and are committed to executing the plan. Finally, share your expectations in the event of an emergency with your congregation. Encourage older adults and individuals with disabilities to provide contact information of those within their support system in case they need to be notified of injuries or other problems during emergencies. Practice Now that you’ve communicated your plans, you should conduct an emergency evacuation drill at the end of a service. Inform your congregation of the drill ahead of time, and have people exit the sanctuary as if there were an actual emergency. Be sure to plan to practice at least once a year! 3 Tips to Remember: Work with your Board of Trustees to make sure that the proper signs, pathways, and lighting are in place for those who will require additional assistance. Consult with wheelchair users on their evacuation preferences and ask for information on how to operate the equipment (tutorials and drills highly recommended). It’s important that those who are dependent on government benefits understand that disasters might delay the mail. Let them know they can sign up for direct deposit here . 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.

POV: A disaster just occurred, and you’re left with extensive property damage. You’re aware of your organization’s pivotal role in community restoration and the resources and assistance that you’re capable of providing. How do you take care of your organization’s issues as quickly and thoroughly as possible so that you can focus on rebuilding your community? Follow these best practices for before and after disasters, as well as tips for properly communicating with your insurance provider and adjusters. Before the Disaster Disaster preparation is key to minimizing property damage. Luckily, there are a few safety measures you can implement if you are given warning of approaching disastrous weather. Installing flood or sandbags, rolling down shutters, and securing outdoor items are great ways to prepare. You should also thoroughly read your insurance policy to understand what is covered and what is not. Do you know what your deductible is? How exactly does your policy work? If any questions arise, don’t hesitate to ask your insurance company; no question is too small. To help you understand your insurance policy, United Methodist Insurance has made the Safety and Insurance Handbook for Churches available. Is your property in a flood zone? If so, consider getting a flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). More information about the NFIP can be found here . A physical copy of your policy should always be stored in a safe place, such as a waterproof, fire resistant safe in an office. The Red Cross even recommends storing a copy in your emergency kit so that it will be close by when you need it. Consider storing an electronic copy of your policy, as well as copies of other important documents, on password protected external hard drives or securely in the cloud. Be sure to conduct a thorough inventory of all damage. In the age of smartphones, taking inventory can be as simple as recording a video of all the rooms in your facilities! Keeping an accurate record of your belongings can make a world of a difference when reporting claims. After the Disaster Call your insurance company as soon as your property has been damaged. If your property has experienced flood damage and you have a policy with the NFIP, contact their organization to file your claim. Share the photos or video footage of all damage and provide any helpful information to your insurance company or the NFIP. Make all temporary repairs that will stop further damage and remember to keep receipts for those repairs to provide to your adjuster. Communicating with Adjusters Insurance adjusters will visit your site to assess the damage and assist you with identifying necessary repairs and cost estimates. The total amount of your claim will be based on information observed and shared. If you live or work in an area with extensive property damage, understand that insurance companies may temporarily be experiencing an extremely busy period due to an influx of claims. Although adjusters typically visit sites that have the most severe damage first, insurance companies understand that even small claims can cause big headaches. Hold still as best you can and know that they will get to you as soon as possible. Key Tips to Remember: Make sure your insurance company has a reliable way to get in touch with you. Maintain open and honest communication with adjusters and cooperate by providing any applicable documentation (both of damage and pre-damage). Do not dispose of any damaged items until your insurance adjuster gives you the go-ahead. Disasters are heart-wrenching, but your insurance company understands and wants to get your claim settled as much as you do. Do all you can to help your adjusters by maintaining proper communication and damage documentation. 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.

Are you aware of the potential vulnerabilities that exist within your church during services? With many people gathered, concentrating on one point of interest, typically away from the doors, it's essential to address the safety concerns that can arise. That's where a dedicated on-site safety team comes in. A safety team can provide extra peace of mind and keep issues, such as theft from vehicles in the parking lot, from happening. So how do you form an effective safety team? Continue reading for valuable insights and actionable steps to build a successful safety ministry. Build Your Team – When forming your team, we recommend putting out an open call among church members. When possible, seek individuals with skills and knowledge that can be helpful during emergencies or in crime prevention. For example, former military personnel, law enforcement officers, security professionals, teachers, and individuals with insurance or legal backgrounds can all play a vital role in creating a robust safety team. Involve Law Enforcement – Don’t attempt to go it alone; involving local law enforcement is crucial! They can perform a risk assessment of your premises, identify vulnerable areas, and recommend adjustments to enhance security. With their guidance, your safety team can receive the necessary training and resources to respond effectively to any potential threats or incidents. Conflict Resolution – Safety and response teams aren’t about muscle and intimidation. It is of utmost importance to train team members in peaceful conflict resolution techniques, ensuring that altercations always result in peaceful outcomes. Regular refreshers and simulations are encouraged to keep skills sharp and response strategies up to date. Communication & Planning – Just like in life, effective communication and planning are key elements of a proactive safety ministry. The more detailed, the better! A written criminal activity plan outlining how team members should react in various situations can make a world of a difference. By sharing your safety teams’ philosophy and purpose with church members, everyone becomes a crucial part of the security network. They'll know who to approach if they suspect criminal activity and who to turn to if unexpected situations arise. Don't wait until an incident occurs to take action. Empower your congregation with the knowledge and resources necessary to ensure a safe and secure place of worship. Download the Crime & Violence Handbook for Churches today! 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.

Follow these 10 practical steps to enhance the safety of your congregation. 1. Establish a communication plan: Develop a system to keep church leaders and off-site members informed during emergencies, utilizing communication methods such as text messages for large-scale emergencies. Pro Tip: Create a communication flow chart that details who should be contacted in the case of various types of events. 2. Communicate with the broader community: Designate individuals, preferably from the safety or security team, to contact emergency services promptly to prevent confusion or delays. Develop communication plans tailored to different situations and assign a church leader to handle media relations. Pro Tip: Put a plan in place for communication with families of those affected by the event. 3. Build a safety team: Create a dedicated group responsible for preventing and responding to potential crimes. These individuals can also assist with communication and surveillance during events. Pro Tip : Never overlook the importance of a safety team. Read our article detailing the benefits here . 4. Create a response team: This team should be comprised of individuals with some form of military or law enforcement experience– well-trained in crisis management, including effective communication and de-escalation techniques. Pro Tip: Your safety team and your response team may consist of the same people- that is OK! 5. Collaborate with local law enforcement: Invite law enforcement personnel to tour your premises for recommendations on security enhancements. Sharing blueprints can aid their response in case of an emergency. Pro Tip: Consider labeling different buildings on your premises to make them easier for responders to find quickly. 6. Develop a comprehensive plan: Anticipate various crime scenarios beyond active shooters, such as robberies, domestic violence incidents, or vandalism. Create prevention and response strategies for each scenario, share them with the safety team, and consider making them accessible to church members for feedback. Pro Tip: As you plan for the possibility of crime or violence on church premises, consider all the potential events that could occur- from an altercation breaking out between family members to vandals throwing rocks at your stained-glass windows, etc. 7. Secure services and events: Implement measures like locking side and rear doors during events to guide attendees through designated entrances. Assign greeters to monitor access and either let in or turn away visitors. Pro Tip: Don’t leave unused areas unlocked and discourage individuals from straying from the event area. 8. Enhance exterior visibility: Trim vegetation that could provide cover, particularly near windows and entrances. Install adequate lighting to eliminate dark areas. Pro Tip: Make sure that parking lots and play areas are adequately illuminated. 9. Utilize signage and labeling: Clearly display address numerals and plaques indicating the church's name and denomination, making it easier for emergency services to locate the premises. Label different buildings for easy identification and emergency response. Pro Tip: Ensure that your signage is visible ! 10. Continuously improve and adapt: Regularly review and update safety plans based on new information or past incidents. While there is no way to completely secure church members and property from being affected by crime, taking these steps will go a long way toward increased safety. Pro Tip: Flexibility and a willingness to learn are crucial for enhancing security. Don't wait until an incident occurs to take action. Empower your congregation with the knowledge and resources necessary to ensure a safe and secure place of worship. Download the Crime & Violence Handbook for Churches today! 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.