A synagogue checklist for steady stewardship

• Walk the sanctuary, chapel, and entry area for trip hazards, loose fixtures, or damaged finishes.
• Check that chairs, pews, lecterns, music stands, and movable tables are stable and safely placed.
• Dust accessible light fixtures, vents, windowsills, and high-touch surfaces.
• Test sanctuary and event lighting, replace failed lamps, and note any flickering fixtures.
• Confirm doors, locks, exit paths, and accessibility routes open freely before services or events.

• Check floors, rugs, shelves, and furniture for spills, sharp edges, or unstable pieces.
• Restock age-appropriate cleaning supplies, tissues, paper goods, and classroom basics.
• Verify windows, shades, doors, and child-safety latches work as intended.
• Inspect whiteboards, displays, shelving, and wall-mounted items for secure attachment.
• Clear stored materials from exits, electrical panels, heaters, and air vents.

• Clean and sanitize counters, sinks, handles, prep surfaces, and shared appliances.
• Check refrigerators and freezers for safe temperatures, leaks, expired food, and clear airflow.
• Inspect cooking equipment, cords, plugs, and shutoff access for visible damage.
• Clean grease, crumbs, and debris from range hoods, filters, floors, and under equipment.
• Empty waste and recycling, clean bins, and record pest activity or plumbing issues.

• Clean and disinfect toilets, sinks, counters, dispensers, handles, and other high-touch areas.
• Check faucets, flush valves, drains, and supply lines for leaks or slow drainage.
• Restock soap, toilet paper, paper towels, and other supplies before services and events.
• Test lights, exhaust fans, locks, grab bars, and accessible clearances.
• Inspect ceilings, walls, and floors for moisture, mold, loose tile, or other damage.

• Walk sidewalks, steps, ramps, parking areas, and gathering spaces for cracks, ice, or trip hazards.
• Clear leaves, litter, branches, and standing water from paths, drains, and entrances.
• Check exterior lights, signs, handrails, gates, and doors for damage or failed hardware.
• Trim vegetation away from walkways, walls, windows, equipment, and overhead lines.
• Inspect irrigation, hose bibs, outdoor furniture, and waste enclosures for leaks or damage.

• Keep exits, aisles, fire doors, electrical panels, and emergency equipment unobstructed.
• Review first-aid kits, emergency contact lists, flashlights, and severe-weather supplies.
• Check that fire extinguishers, AEDs, and other safety equipment are present and visibly accessible.
• Review key access, incident reporting, evacuation plans, and volunteer opening/closing procedures.
• Record hazards with a photo, location, owner, and target date so follow-up is not lost.

Important: Fire-alarm inspections, sprinkler service, electrical repairs, gas work, and HVAC service should be scheduled with qualified, licensed professionals as required by local code and the equipment manufacturer.