Severe Weather Cancellation Policy
Purpose of this Policy
The purpose of this policy is to define the conditions under which church-wide events (worship services, congregational meetings, etc.) will be cancelled in case of severe weather, and to define the responsibilities for making the determination and informing the congregation or meeting participants in case the services or meetings are cancelled. A church-wide event is defined as any gathering which is open to the entire congregation or to which the entire congregation has been invited.
Conditions Causing Cancellation
Church-wide events will be cancelled if there is a severe storm warning including a tornado watch or warning in effect one hour prior to the scheduled event.
Responsibility for Decision and Notification
1. The Council President is responsible for monitoring severe weather reports and weather conditions, and for making whatever decisions are necessary under the circumstances after consulting with at least one of the pastors. If the Council President is not available, the Council Vice President will assume those responsibilities. If a cancellation is called for under the policy (or if the Council President deems it wise under the circumstances to cancel the event), the Council President will post the cancellation notice on the church web site and will, if possible, send an email to members. Quarterly, the President of Council will place announcements in the bulletin and newsletter reminding readers of this procedure and advising those with no Internet access to telephone someone with Internet access to check the church website for information on severe weather cancellations.
2. For meetings that do not involve the whole congregation, such as committee meetings, Council, Elders, or Deacons meetings, the chair of each of those meetings has the responsibility for any decision or notification required.
Facility Use By Non-Church Groups
Groups not associated with the church who rent or use the facility will also follow the same policy. The person who arranged with the church office for the use of the facility is responsible for the decision-making and for informing the participants in case of severe weather. Those who arrange for the use will be given a copy of this policy. Any rental fee will be refunded if use of the building was cancelled due to severe weather.