A new survey found that a majority of Americans (82 percent) think nonprofit organizations, schools, camps and houses of worship should prepare in advance for severe weather events since members and the community will likely seek shelter in a house of worship (60 percent), school (63 percent) or nonprofit facility (62 percent).

In its new “Risk Radar Report – Severe Weather,” Church Mutual Insurance Company found that more than four in five Americans (84 percent) said they would be impacted if the house of worship, school or nonprofit they rely on was unable to provide services due to severe weather’s effect on the facility.

Of the 1002 Americans surveyed, respondents reported they would have nowhere else to go and if their organization was unable to provide services, it would be devastating for them on both a financial and emotional level.

Respondents said that not being able to seek shelter at these locations would cause them to travel farther from their homes to find resources or resort to living in their vehicles.

“Nonprofit organizations, schools and houses of worship are mission driven and committed to serving their membership, especially during moments of greatest need,” said Eric Spacek, assistant vice president – Risk Control at Church Mutual. “Americans rely on these types of organizations for a wide variety of services, including lodging/shelter, food/meals and communications support. Providing services to membership requires advance planning and preparation to understand and carefully consider risk measures and to adequately prepare before providing services. The last thing these groups want to do is let their membership down.”

With no services available, respondents reported they would be either very or somewhat likely (81 percent) to seek services elsewhere, and many said they would not know where else to go, adding that their alternative options would be extremely limited.

“Americans have faith and trust in the nonprofit, school and worship facilities they frequent and support. They rely on these organizations to be prepared to help their members and community in the case of severe weather. Seventy-six percent of respondents believe these sites should have an emergency communications plan in place to keep their members informed,” Spacek added.

Two in five respondents feel their house of worship, school or nonprofit is prepared for an extreme snowstorm (41 percent), extreme wind (40 percent), ice storm (39 percent) and flooding (38 percent), the survey indicated.

Respondents feel their organizations should prepare by insulating pipes in hard-to-reach places (58 percent) and salting walkways and parking lots ahead of a storm (55 percent).

As it relates to winter weather, 90 percent of Americans believe their organizations’ facilities are least prepared for another polar vortex.