Inclement Weather & Emergency Closing Guidelines
At First Coral Gables, your safety is our top priority! We know that weather conditions can vary depending on where you live, so please use your best judgment when deciding whether to join us in person or to participate in our services online.
Our goal is to keep everyone — guests, members, volunteers, and staff — safe and well-informed during severe weather or emergencies. If we need to close the church or cancel activities due to hazardous conditions, we’ll let you know as soon as possible. The Senior Pastor, Executive Director, and Leadership Team will make these decisions, and we’ll be sure to keep everyone updated. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
IF A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS ISSUED:
The Church will remain open. We will continue to monitor the storm and update as necessary.
IF A TROPICAL STORM WARNING, HURRICANE WATCH OR WARNING IS ISSUED:
The campus (including the Church, The Growing Place School, and the District Office) will be closed for all activities.
An email will be sent to our email subscribers (sign up for the ENews today!) and the following will be updated:
Website homepage (announcement bar and pop-up)
Church office voice mail - 305-445-2578
If a closure occurs over a weekend, an online worship service will be posted on Sunday at 11:00am on our website, church app, and Facebook page.
Preparing for a Hurricane or Tropical Storm
Below is information from CDC (Center for Disease Control & Prevention) regarding how to prepare for a hurricane or tropical storm.
You can’t stop a tropical storm or hurricane, but you can take steps now to protect you and your family.
If you live in areas at risk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages you to be prepared for hurricane season. The Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 through November 30 each year.
Please follow these important hurricane preparedness tips from CDC:
Prepare for a hurricane: Take basic steps now to ensure your safety should a storm hit.
Gather emergency supplies: Stock your home and your car with essential supplies.
Make a plan: Create a family disaster plan.
Avoid flooded areas: Take precautions before, during, and after a flood.
Prepare to evacuate: Never ignore an evacuation order.
Protect older adults: Understand older adult health and medical concerns.
Protect your pets: Ensure your pet’s safety before, during, and after an emergency.
Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning: Ensure your CO detector has working batteries. Place generators outside at least 20 feet from any door, window, or vent.
Stay safe after a hurricane: Learn how to avoid injuries, make sure your food and water are safe, and clean up mold safely.
After you have read these tips, please review the other resources available on the CDC Hurricanes website. The CDC strongly recommends that you print all-important resources before a hurricane strikes. Power outages during and after a hurricane can prevent you from accessing information online when you most need it. Preparing now can help keep you and your family safe.