Shabbat Protocols in case of a Hurricane or other Disasters

This for shul rabbis. You can forward it to your local Orthodox rabbi for inclusion in the shul bulletin, I guess. Received by email.

Produced by: Rabbi Kenneth Brander with thanks to Rabbi Hershel Schachter for his guidance in producing these protocols

If hurricane is happening on Shabbat, stay home.  We will lain 2 parshiyot next week.

If no electricity on Shabbat and storm is over.  If safe...

• Minyan only during daylight hours
• Shacharit    _____am
• Mincha will be held at ______
• Parshat _________ will be read next week for those unable to attend
• If there is electricity, services are as regularly scheduled

Assume no Eruv

• Carrying permitted for life/limb threatening situations.
• Carrying permitted for individuals who need medical attention without which a person's functionality is compromised, (even for a bed-ridden headache). In this case carrying should be done, only if possible, in an irregular fashion (i.e. carrying medicine in ones belt or shoe).
• Carrying permitted to allow a baby, infirm seniors or a child traumatized by the event to function without compromise. In this case carrying should be done, if possible, in an irregular fashion (i.e. two people carrying or wheeling the stroller/person).

Use of Candles & Flashlights

• Use yahrzeit or hurricane candles lit before Shabbat placed in designated locations.
• Hang/place lit flashlights with fresh batteries in key locations before Shabbat.
• It is recommended to use LED flashlights over incandescent flashlights because they will last longer.

If Flashlight/Candle goes out:

• When necessary (to take care of children, to eat etc..) and there is no other light, a non-Jew can relight or change batteries.
• If not having the light may create a life threatening situation, you may do it yourself.
• Be careful about using candles in an area that might cause a fire.

Moving Candles and Flashlight is permitted in the following situations

• For any medical concerns no matter how slight.
• Carrying permitted for comfort and welfare of seniors and children under eight (or above eight years old when child is traumatized by the event).
• When possible, moving a candle, should be done by two individuals.

Television or Radio

• TV or radio should be left on in a side room.
• Channel should not be changed.
• Volume on radio (if switch is not digital) may be adjusted on Shabbat. Better to keep it on low for it preserves the battery and only raise it when necessary.

Questions:          Call Rabbi ____________ at phone number ___________________