The pandemic is at the forefront of many minds right now, but pandemics are usually once-in-a lifetime events. There are other more common dangers faced by churches. Understanding a little more about them can help you evaluate your church’s risk and work to keep it a safer space for members.

We’ve compiled our claims data to take a closer look at which church property claims we see the most, and to outline a few of the best preventative measures you can take to help avoid having to make these types of claims for your own church.

Most Common Claim: Wind/Hail

Yes, science has made it easier to predict the weather, but it’s still impossible to change. Storms of all shapes and sizes can cause damage to a church’s structure, ranging from purely cosmetic to catastrophic. Exterior surfaces can be damaged by wind and hail, most notably roofs, windows and walls.

How to help prevent it:

Identify your area’s risk for hailstorms and severe weather. Stay informed about upcoming storms in your area, and create emergency action plans that include weather-proofing. Regularly inspecting and assessing your church property’s roof can also help mitigate losses associated with severe weather. Consider these additional preventive measures:

• Upgrading roofing systems and windows to enhance structural integrity and impact resistance
• Securing protective tarps over windows, statues, entrance ways, outdoor equipment or other areas most susceptible to damage
• Creating a storm shelter protocol for church vehicles, moving them from open parking lots to safer areas if severe weather is predicted
• Installing metal awnings to help lessen the impact of hail
• Installing overhead protection for outdoor wells, generators, electrical distribution panels, etc.

Most Expensive Claim: Fire

Fire can spread easily and quickly and the fire, along with the resulting smoke and water used to extinguish the fire, destroys nearly everything – meaning damaged items often require replacement, rather than repair. Many local ordinances call for entire buildings to demolished in order to rebuild if a fire has damaged the property beyond 50%, which can lead to a price tag of several million dollars.

How to help prevent it:

One of the simplest ways to help prevent a devastating fire is to regularly complete a fire prevention checklist. Action items include:

• Testing smoke detectors and changing batteries every six months
• Inspecting and testing sprinkler systems annually
• Servicing fire extinguishers every year and placing within 50-75 feet of any point within the property
• Not storing anything that will burn in boiler and electrical rooms, around water heaters and furnaces
• Getting to know your neighbors – assessing the risk that neighboring operations may pose to your building
• Ensuring kitchen ducts and exhaust systems are cleaned at least annually
• Automated extinguishing systems over cooking areas and inspecting them every six months

Runner Up: Water Damage

Water damage ranks in the top 3 of the most common and most expensive claims for churches. A burst pipe, especially in a building that is only occupied during certain periods of the week, can wreak havoc on flooring, walls and even foundations—without anyone knowing.

How to help prevent it:

Prevent frozen pipes from bursting by keeping your church at a temperature that prevents freezing. Also consider:

• Installing electronic sensors to help alert you via text if and when a leak occurs
• Servicing HVAC systems yearly
• Regularly inspecting insulation around susceptible pipes before and during periods of cold weather
• Ensuring that windows and doors seal properly and are weather-tight
• Checking levels of antifreeze solution within sprinkler systems
• Verifying dampers work on air-handling units and fans are controlled by thermostat for automatic shutdown in the event of freezing temperatures

Working in insurance gives you a new perspective on the risks that are out there—but also clear ideas about what can be done to help better protect buildings and people. We take risk management very seriously. For more risk reduction resources and checklists designed specifically for worship centers, please visit GlatfelterReligiousPractice.com.