IMMANUEL'S INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

While we believe that the Bible teaches Christians should gather together regularly, we also recognize that the Bible also exhorts us to be wise in avoiding unnecessary danger and to respect civil authority. Therefore we have adopted these guidelines for the church as a whole. These policies hold true for Sunday Services and Wednesday Prayer Meeting as well as any other "all-church" special meetings or activities. Meetings and activities of small groups should use these policies as guidelines in making their decisions.

We urge all members to carefully consider their own risks and dangers in inclement weather conditions, and we want all to understand that there are legitimate times when people should not attend. Though we do not want weather to be used as a casual excuse for missing services, attending church in inclement weather is not a mark of spirituality.

A. WINTER WEATHER

1. If there is a "Level 2 or 3 Snow Emergency" in Franklin County services will be canceled.
2. If there is a "Level 1 Snow Emergency" in Franklin County services MAY be canceled at the discretion of the Senior Pastor, or, in his absence the pastoral staff in consultation with the Chairman of the Board of Deacons.
   1. If services ARE canceled, we will spread the word by the following means:
      • Deacons will call their Care and Fellowship Groups
      • WTVN AND WCVO radio stations and the local TV stations will be notified
      • a message will be left on the church web site
      • a message will be left on the phone system
        (once the recording starts, dial 207)
   2. If services are NOT canceled, we urge each member to evaluate the factors affecting their situation (i.e. condition of the roads around them; condition of their vehicle; health and age of family members; etc.) and make a decision regarding attempting to come.

B. OTHER WEATHER EMERGENCIES

1. If a tornado WARNING has been issued and the sirens are sounding, members should stay home until the warning is lifted. Those already on the way or at the church should move to the basement.
2. If a tornado WATCH has been issued, services will continue as planned, but the situation shall be monitored during the services.
3. If the civil authorities restrict travel due to other types of emergencies, the same policies apply as during winter weather (see above).

C. AWANA
The general rule for AWANA is that if Columbus Public Schools are closed or close early due to bad weather on the day of AWANA, the AWANA Clubs for that evening are canceled.