If your organization is in an area that experiences hurricanes, you may want to consider offering your facility as a temporary shelter. Before doing so, consider first whether you have the resources you need to provide a safe place for those seeking refuge. Church Mutual works with customers to determine whether their facility could be a good shelter.
A good first step is to contact the American Red Cross or similar local organizations to understand the requirements and process for becoming a designated emergency shelter location. Involving disaster response organizations allows your organization to be guided by their expertise in serving as a shelter and can also provide a measure of liability protection.
If your facility meets the space and other requirements for serving as an emergency shelter, you should provide the following:
Areas where your guests can care for their personal needs – Not only do the people who are staying in your facility need places to use the bathroom, shower and sleep, but they also may require changing stations for young children. Additionally, there should be separate areas for registration and reception.
An emergency supply kit – Those using your shelter may just need to stay for a few hours, or they may be there for weeks. Create an emergency supply kit that includes:
Adequate security – In the wake of some hurricanes, well-meaning organizations that have volunteered their facility as a shelter have found themselves in over their head. As a result, shelter guests became victims of theft and assault. If you do not have enough space to provide private quarters for all guests, you should have volunteers staffing your facility around the clock to provide proper security and protection. Offer guests a locked, secure space where they can store valuables.
A plan for housekeeping – While you likely already have a staff member or volunteer who provides custodial services for your facility, you will need extra help. Even five people staying in your building for several days can create a mess; you should establish a schedule and stick to it.
A plan for responding to a medical emergency – Know the easiest way to transport guests to a local hospital. If transportation is impossible, find out if any staff, volunteers or guests have medical training.
While serving as an emergency shelter can be helpful, it also takes careful preparation and engagement with a number of volunteers. Make sure you are fully prepared for the responsibility.
Read more about hurricane safety, preparedness and recovery:
What is your organization doing to prepare for severe weather?
Prepare and protect your organization from nature’s destructive forces by viewing our 10 Essentials of Severe Weather Preparedness. Then take action and step up your severe weather and natural disaster preparedness efforts by utilizing our Severe Weather Preparedness Assessment to see what your organization has covered and discover areas that may need attention.
IMPORTANT: Keeping your organization’s contact information up to date with your insurance provider helps them to serve you better, especially if they attempt to contact you before, during or after a weather event.
For more severe weather information and resources, visit Severe Weather Resources.
