In times of crisis, churches need a safety plan just like schools and workplaces.

Numerous church disasters in recent news have sparked an interest in churches preparing for disaster. While churches are not called to worry, a little bit of planning in case of something going awry is never a bad idea.

Ian Ross-McDonald is the general secretary for the Presbyterian Church of Canada and says a large number of calls played a role in him encouraging churches to plan in case of emergency.

"We've had a number of questions recently about what churches should be doing to prepare for any kind of emergency," Ross-McDonald said. "We also have a policy in the church that is to help all congregations all the time be prepared for any number of events, but also primarily to prevent problems that churches might encounter."

Clear signs for exits and locations of phones, ensuring stairwells are kept clear, and making sure phones remain operational are just a few of the tips Ross-McDonald suggests to help keep church congregations safe.

First aid kits in several locations, clearly identified and well-stocked should be also present in each church, and church grounds kept well-tended and lit.

Ross-McDonald also recommends an annual practice of the emergency plan for each church to ensure all congregants and staff members are knowledgeable of what to do should an emergency situation arise.

Instances such as medical emergencies, fire, flooding, building problems such as falling plaster or broken windows are all situations that churches should keep in mind while crafting a plan, in addition to special considerations based on individualized congregants or church location.

"The special needs and peculiar needs of different age groups and people with different abilities is an important thing to keep in mind," said Ross-McDonald.

Emergency preparedness is something that the general secretary believes should not be overlooked by any congregation.

"We tend to think of church communities as caring almost exclusively for people's souls," explained Ross-McDonald, "but caring for their bodies as well as their spirit is important, so faith communities should always be looking out for the best ways to serve and look after the people in their church and are using their buildings."