Snowstorm Alert – Prepare Your Synagogue, School, and Community Center Now

As an intense snowstorm bears down, synagogues, Jewish day schools, and community centers must act quickly to protect their people and facilities. Winter storms bring more than inconvenience; they can cause serious damage to buildings and disrupt operations. In fact, the current storm has knocked out power to hundreds of thousands, leaving many without heat in dangerous cold. The good news is that with the right emergency plan and proactive steps, many of these risks are preventable. Below are key actions to take now to stay safe and resilient during this snowstorm.

Stock Emergency Supplies and Backup Power

• Prepare Emergency Kits: Ensure your facility has an emergency supply kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, warm blankets, bottled water, and a battery-powered weather radio. If people might be stranded during the storm or a power outage, have non-perishable snacks, medications, and extra winter clothing on hand as well.

• Test Generators & Battery Backup: Check that any backup power sources (generators or UPS systems) are functional and fueled. Backup power can keep critical systems and heating running during outages – but never run generators indoors.

• Charge Communication Devices: Fully charge cell phones, radios, and portable chargers ahead of the storm. This ensures you can stay in contact and receive updates even if power is lost.

Set Communication and Closure Plans

• Assign a Weather Leader: Designate a point person (or team) to monitor weather reports and local alerts in real time. Empower them to advise leadership on safety: for example, if a state of emergency is declared or roads become unsafe, they should recommend closing the facility or canceling events. Have clear pre-decided guidelines for when to cancel programs or close campus (e.g. “if more than X inches of snow are forecast” or if authorities urge staying off roads). This removes last-minute confusion and lets everyone know what to expect.

• Announce Closures Early and Widely: Don’t assume people will “get the message” – actively send it out. The moment you decide to close or delay opening, use multiple channels to notify staff, students, congregants, and parents. Update your website’s front page with a closure notice and change your synagogue or school’s outgoing voicemail message to announce the closure. Send a mass text or email alert to your lists, and if you have an app or automated call system, push out a notification. Post updates on social media (Facebook, WhatsApp groups, etc.). The goal is to ensure no one ventures out unnecessarily because they missed the announcement.

• Coordinate with Local Networks: If your area uses local media or school closing networks to publicize closures, make sure your organization is registered with them and follow the proper procedure to report your status. This can help broaden the reach of your message. Also inform any security or maintenance staff of the schedule change so they know when (or if) to come in.

Safeguard Your Building During & After the Storm

• Keep Heating On: Do not completely turn off the heat even if the building will be empty. Keep thermostats at least 55°F (13°C) in all areas – this helps prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. In the lead-up to the storm, double-check that your heating system is in good working order. If there are any cold spots or rooms with poor insulation, consider temporarily heating them or opening their vents. Also insulate exposed pipes (in crawl spaces, attics, etc.) and seal cracks or drafts around windows and doors to keep cold air out. A little preparation now can save you from major water damage later.

• Prevent Frozen Pipes: When temperatures plummet, take extra precautions to avoid pipe freezes. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warmer air circulate around the plumbing. Allow a trickle of water to drip from faucets connected to vulnerable pipes – moving water helps prevent freezing. Know how to shut off your main water valve in case a pipe does burst. If your building loses heat or power for an extended time, you may need to shut off and drain the water lines (except fire sprinkler systems) to prevent catastrophic bursts. When restoring water service after an outage, turn water back on slowly and check for any leaks from cracked pipes.

• Clear Snow and Ice Safely: As soon as it’s safe after the storm, clear snow from your facility’s entrances, walkways, and emergency exits. Heavy snow can block doors and create slip hazards, so shovel and apply ice melt to prevent dangerous buildup. Don’t forget sidewalks, stairways, wheelchair ramps, and fire hydrants on or near your property. For large parking lots or roofs with significant snow accumulation, arrange professional snow removal or use proper equipment – do not allow untrained staff to climb on roofs, as the combination of height, ice, and heavy snow is extremely risky. Pace the shoveling work to avoid overexertion injuries, and ensure everyone wears warm, visible (reflective) clothing if working outside.

• Inspect and Secure the Building: Check that all exterior doors fully close and latch (cold wind can deform frames or blow doors open if not secured). If high winds are expected, you might pre-place sandbags or draft blockers at the bottom of exterior doors to reduce snow/water intrusion. After the storm, before re-opening, do a walkthrough: look for any signs of water leaks (stains, drips) from roof or pipe damage, and make sure no critical equipment was affected by the cold. Verify that fire alarm and security systems are back online and that emergency exits are clear of snow. Taking time to ensure the facility is safe will allow you to reopen smoothly when the time comes.

Review and Drill Your Emergency Plans

An approaching storm is an ideal moment to review your emergency plans and make sure everyone remembers their role. If you haven’t updated your synagogue or school’s emergency response plan in a while, now is the time. Gather your leadership or emergency committee (virtually, if needed) for a quick run-through of your procedures for weather emergencies and other crises.

JEPP Is Here to Help

Remember that you are not alone – the Jewish Emergency Preparedness Project (JEPP) is here to support your community’s resilience. We train synagogues, schools, JCCs, and camps to effectively respond to emergency situations and ensure safety. Our comprehensive programs provide expert guidance through every step of preparedness – from vulnerability assessments and grant assistance to updating emergency protocols and conducting hands-on training drills. Whether you need a consultation on improving your winter storm plan, training for your staff in emergency response, or resources to develop a robust year-round preparedness strategy, JEPP is ready to help. Stay safe, stay prepared, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Together, we can weather this storm and emerge even stronger.