Across the nation, a chill in the air tells us it's time to prepare our homes for colder weather. Houses of worship must be prepared in similar ways. Although it seems early for such plans, after speaking with Dean Johnson, executive director of the National Association of Church Facility Managers, I realize it's wise to go ahead and get some things taken care of. Take a look at these tips on how to plan and gear up for the change in season, whether your church is large with a facility staff, or small with a pastor and a few volunteers.
Plan, plan, plan
Johnson, who is also the business administrator for First Baptist Church of Lubbock, Texas, says he and his team begin the work for winter long before the weather begins to cool off. Large or small, every church can benefit from early research and supply checks that ensure the needed components are in place for the winter.
"We won't get much, if any, snow," Johnson says, "but we always check the past year's reports to determine how much snow melt to purchase. I locate and buy new snow shovels, too, since they seem to go missing over the summer."
Obviously, this advice goes double for churches in areas that do receive large amounts of snowfall. Buying early and storing snow melt definitely beats the alternative of not having any in the event of early snow.
Johnson also recommends planning the church's response to different weather scenarios. Be sure to discuss and assign roles for different individuals and departments. Johnson posts a "snow schedule" early in the season, so when snow falls maintenance staff will already know where to be and when to be there. He also checks the contact information he has on file for snowplow service. "You don't want to discover your go-to plow guy has changed his number or gone out of business on a Sunday morning with six inches of fresh snow."
Checking things out
A campus walk-through checking for winter-weather vulnerabilities is another good idea. Johnson checks all water sources for leaks, including the sprinkler system. "We use our sprinklers year round, so I want to make sure there is no water running into the road that might freeze and make roads slick."
Since FBC Lubbock is a very large and well-insulated building, covering pipes isn't a concern, but smaller buildings may have some exposed areas that need wrapping prior to freezing temperatures.
For smaller churches without facilities staff, this is a great task to delegate to volunteer. "That volunteer can check things out, buy and store supplies, and organize a team for shoveling snow," says Johnson.
Remain organized
The best-laid plans are null if not maintained and acted upon. When moisture in any form arrives, remember to protect floors and people with walk-off mats and spot cleanings.
