Hazardous Weather Policy

 

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church - Hazardous Weather Policy

1. Purpose

The safety and well‑being of our parish family is our foremost priority. Hazardous weather conditions—such as hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, high winds, severe thunderstorms, ice, or snow—may require adjustments to worship services, ministry activities, or parish operations. This policy establishes clear procedures for decision‑making, communication, and parish response, modeled on the Charleston County School District’s (CCSD) established hazardous weather practices.

2. Guiding Principles (Aligned with CCSD Standards)

Holy Trinity follows these CCSD‑aligned principles:

  • Safety First: Decisions prioritize the protection of parishioners, clergy, staff, and visitors.

  • Consistency with Local Authorities: Holy Trinity will align its operational decisions with CCSD, Charleston County Emergency Management, and local public safety officials.

  • Timely Communication: CCSD emphasizes early, clear notification. Holy Trinity will follow the same approach.

  • Accessibility and Equity: Decisions consider the needs of families traveling from across the region, including those in areas prone to flooding or bridge closures.

3. Decision‑Making Authority

Hazardous weather decisions are made jointly by:

  • Parish Priest

  • Parish Council President

  • Executive Committee of the Parish Council (as needed)

Consultation may include:

  • Charleston County Emergency Management updates

  • CCSD closure or delay announcements

  • National Weather Service advisories

When CCSD announces closures or delays due to hazardous weather, Holy Trinity will generally follow the same schedule, unless parish‑specific conditions require a different response.

4. Operational Responses

A. Full Closure

Holy Trinity will close all facilities and cancel all services, ministries, and events when:

  • CCSD announces a district‑wide closure due to hazardous weather,

  • Local authorities issue mandatory evacuation orders,

  • Conditions pose significant risk for travel, flooding, or structural safety.

B. Delayed Opening

If CCSD announces a delayed opening:

  • Morning services, meetings, or ministries may be postponed to match the CCSD delay.

  • Clergy and parish staff will adjust schedules accordingly.

C. Early Dismissal / Suspension of Afternoon Activities

If CCSD dismisses early due to developing hazardous weather:

  • Afternoon and evening ministries, rehearsals, meetings, and events will be canceled.

  • Parishioners will be encouraged to return home safely before conditions worsen.

D. Sunday Services

Because CCSD does not operate on Sundays, Holy Trinity will:

  • Monitor weekend weather closely.

  • Use CCSD’s weekday decisions as a benchmark for severity.

  • Issue a parish‑specific decision no later than Saturday at 3:00 PM for Sunday services unless emergency conditions arise causing late or last minute decision.

5. Communication Procedures

Holy Trinity will follow CCSD’s communication principles of clarity, timeliness, and multi‑channel notification.

Notifications will be sent through:

  • Parish email distribution list

  • Parish website

  • Social media platforms

  • Recorded phone message (if needed)

  • Live Stream announcements

All hazardous weather decisions will include:

  • Status of services and events

  • Facility access information

  • Instructions for ministry leaders

  • Safety reminders

6. Facility Safety & Preparedness

Holy Trinity will maintain readiness consistent with CCSD’s emergency preparedness expectations:

  • Secure outdoor items before high‑wind events.

  • Protect windows and entrances when necessary.

  • Ensure safe egress routes free of flooding or ice.

  • Maintain emergency supplies (flashlights, first‑aid kits, communication devices).

  • Coordinate with the Hellenic Center staff for unified response.

7. Ministry & Program Responsibilities

Ministry leaders must:

  • Follow parish hazardous weather decisions immediately.

  • Communicate cancellations or schedule changes to their groups.

  • Ensure children’s ministries follow the same safety standards as CCSD’s student‑focused protocols.

8. Resumption of Operations

Holy Trinity will resume services and activities when:

  • CCSD reopens schools or resumes normal operations, or

  • Local authorities confirm safe travel conditions.

A parish‑wide communication will announce the return to normal schedules.

9. Special Considerations for Sacramental Services

For baptisms, weddings, funerals, and other sacraments:

  • Clergy and families will be contacted directly if hazardous weather may affect the service.

  • Rescheduling will follow pastoral guidance and facility availability.

  • Destination weddings or events involving travel will receive additional consideration.

10. Annual Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by:

  • Parish Priest

  • Parish Council President

  • Parish Council Executive Committee

Updates will reflect changes in CCSD policy, local emergency management guidance, and parish needs.

APPROVED: October 22, 2026

C Dinos Liollio, Parish Council President