Planning for Disasters
If your church burned down on Friday, where would you meet on
Sunday? If a tornado came through your community, how would you
care for your members and neighbors? While we all hate to
contemplate being faced with a disaster unfortunately they do
occur. Two major disasters have occurred recently in our
presbytery. The Flint water crisis continues to affect thousands,
including members of our churches. The flooding in Isabella,
Midland, and Bay counties also impacted many people including
church members. While we are blessed that we have not experienced a
tornado, a toxic spill, or a church shooting, we are better able to
deal with such events if we are prepared. The Presbytery
Coordinating Team appointed a vision task force in January to
explore ways to help the presbytery and it’s churches to become
more missional. Part of that mission emphasis is to develop a
disaster preparedness policy and plan for the presbytery and to
provide information for individual churches to help in creating
their plans. With the help of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the
documents have been completed and were approved by the Coordinating
Team at its July meeting. The plans are available by clicking on
these links or on the Presbytery of Lake Huron web page under the
“Misc” tab and then “Documents and Forms.” The Presbytery Disaster
Plan outlines how the presbytery will communicate and coordinate
activities in case of an emergency. The Emergency Preparedness for
Churches is a document that was originally created by St. Joseph’s
Mercy Faith Community Nursing in cooperation with Oakland County
Sheriff Michael Bouchard and graciously shared with us. You are
encouraged to become familiar with both documents to aid your own
preparation. The presbytery plan is still a work in progress as we
continue to identify people that are qualified and interested to
fill the various volunteer positions. The church document is a
guide to help individual churches create their own disaster
preparedness plans. You are encouraged to begin discussions within
your church about how the church will respond to a crisis in your
community if and when one may occur.
ATTACHMENT B - Emergency Preparedness Information
Policy
The Presbytery of Lake Huron (PLH) has created a Disaster
Coordination and Communication Task Force to assist
churches/partners in witnessing to the healing love of Jesus Christ
through caring for communities when crisis occurs. The PLH is
called to service and mission, and its members are committed to
fulfilling God’s plan. Therefore, in times of disaster PLH will
respond as God calls to help affected individuals and
congregations. PLH pledges to be prepared to respond in the event
of a disaster, through planning, coordination and communication and
to be actively involved on both short-term and long-term recovery
efforts. Because the capacity to respond effectively in times of
disaster is tied to the establishment and acceptance of a
well-orchestrated plan, PLH will develop and adopt a disaster
communication plan that ensures that members are informed and
equipped to carry out their roles. The PLH will coordinate and
partner with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) and other
appropriate agencies during disasters in order to be as effective
as possible in its response to disaster.
Plan
A. GENERAL PREPARATION The Coordinating Team shall establish a
Disaster Coordination and Communication Task Force (DCC) which
shall be accountable to it. The PLH DCC Task Force shall be staffed
by members elected and serving in classes for three-year terms on a
rotating basis, to respond to large or small disasters The DCC
shall be resourced by the EP or other individuals as directed by
the EP. The Coordinating Team shall review the work of the DCC at
least annually. The Task Force shall be organized as follows:
Director—Overall leadership and coordination of the DCC plan.
Associate Director—In the absence of the Director the Associate
Director shall assume the leadership. Regional Coordinators—Trained
to function as the primary contact with churches within their
region, assess needs, monitor, report damage in their areas to the
acting Director of the DCC. If the regional coordinator is not
available during an emergency another coordinator shall assume this
role. Advisors—People with a variety of knowledge, skills, and
abilities, who can assist the presbytery in communicating the
disaster preparedness and response plan. This team will help
provide information and assistance to congregations within
PLH.
ATTACHMENT B - Emergency Preparedness Information
CHARGE TO THE TASK FORCE: Meet at least twice yearly to review and
update the DCC, train for activation and coordinate with the
nominating team to ensure adequate team staffing. The Task Force
shall notify the American Red Cross (ARC), and Michigan Emergency
Association (MEMA), that the presbytery has a DCC in place in case
of natural disaster and establish contacts and communication links
in advance. In case of a disaster of human origin (e.g., a
shooting, toxic release, etc.), all communication with media shall
be managed by the Executive Presbyter or his/her designee. Maintain
a current list of MEMA Coordinators, ARC and Salvation Army (SA)
contacts in case of disaster. The Task Force shall prepare and
execute a Disaster Preparedness Checklist with detailed contact
information that shall be accessible online and distributed to each
congregation in PLH. Consult with the EP on PDA involvement.
Establish a communication contact or “telephone calling tree” to
include each installed pastor, interim or CRE and each clerk of
session. The Director is responsible for activating the system when
a disaster is imminent, or when an unexpected disaster has
occurred. Work with churches to ensure that an appropriate
communication system (calling tree) is in place for each
congregation. Coordinate with the PLH Administrative
Assistant/Office Manager to maintain an up-to-date directory of
pastors and churches that includes all necessary communication
information such as: home, office and cell phone numbers of
pastors, clerks of session and other key staff. Work with churches
to ensure that they have reviewed and updated security plans.
Maintain readiness and conduct a minimum of one mock disaster per
year to ensure adequate preparation.
B. ACTION WHEN AN ANTICIPATED DISASTER IS IMMINENT
The Director or Assistant Director in the director’s absence in
consultation with the EP shall activate the calling tree; the
Regional Coordinator Team shall warn pastors and churches of the
imminent disaster and offer assistance as needed. Instruct each
pastor and clerk to respond as soon as possible after the disaster
with the following information Are you and your family OK? Do you
need help? Is your congregation OK? A preliminary estimate of
damage to their homes, churches, and neighborhood. What are your
immediate needs? It is important to note that text messages will
often work even when voice cellular service is not available.
ATTACHMENT B - Emergency Preparedness Information
The DCC director shall establish an emergency communications
center, possibly at the presbytery office, that will be ready to
receive calls or text messages and serve as task force headquarters
as soon as the disaster has passed.
PASTORS Pastors shall seek appropriate shelter and stay where
she/he is until danger passes. Pastors shall assess their own
damage, attend to family, and loved ones first! When it is safe,
pastors shall assess the general situation and the physical needs
of the people in their congregation and community. Pastors shall
contact their Regional Coordinator if the coordinator has not
already contacted them for updates. If the Regional Coordinator is
unknown they shall contact the Executive Presbyter. Pastors should
respond to the needs of survivors, in cooperation with local
emergency response agencies/police, fire department, ARC, the
Salvation Army, etc. Pastors shall report their findings to the
Regional Coordinator or if the Coordinator is not available to the
Director of the DCC as soon as possible. Pastors should under-gird
all efforts with spiritual support to the survivors of the
disaster. No secular agency is equipped to do this task. Pastors
should perform this unique and important role in cooperation with
other pastors, priests, and spiritual leaders of the community.
Pastors shall assist the presbytery response by working closely
with the DCC Regional Coordinator and director. When the relief
phase of the disaster response begins, pastors shall help
coordinate efforts of the congregation on the local level, working
in cooperation with the DCC, other pastors, interfaith response
groups, FEMA, civil and governmental authorities, etc. Pastors
shall coordinate with the DCC, and PDA (if deployed) before
accepting direct offers of assistance from non-governmental
agencies and charities.
EXECUTIVE PRESBYTER The EP shall seek appropriate shelter and stay
where she/he is until danger passes! The EP shall assess his/her
own damage, attend family, loved ones and themselves first! When it
is safe, the EP shall move immediately to the disaster response
office and be available to assist the Director and/or Assistant
Director in receiving messages. If the EP is not available the
Stated Clerk shall assume these duties. The EP shall coordinate
with the Director, on reports of damage. They shall contact pastors
or churches in the affected area who have not reported.
If not already accomplished, the EP shall activate DCC task force
with the Director. The EP, along with the Director, shall make a
“ministry of presence” visit to affected areas as possible. The EP
shall report findings to the PDA associate for disaster response
and the Synod
ATTACHMENT B - Emergency Preparedness Information
executive. The EP shall request the services of the Presbyterian
Disaster Assistance Team as appropriate. After immediate disaster
response needs are met and the recovery phase begins, the Director
shall assist in volunteer management as requested by PDA and MEMA
or other agencies. After a disaster, presbyteries may receive
donations from individuals and churches who want to give directly
to those managing recovery efforts. PLH should direct these funds
in the most immediately helpful ways. The funds may be distributed
upon the authorization of both the EP and person designated by the
Coordinating Team (usually the Moderator). However, care must be
taken not to jeopardize eligibility for funds from the ARC,
insurance settlements, and FEMA. All disbursements shall be
reported in a timely manner to the Coordinating Team and the
DCC.
PLH shall notify PDA through the EP so that a central data bank may
be maintained of churches, pastors and individuals of PLH that have
been affected. DIRECTOR OF DISASTER RESPONSE TASK FORCE The
Director shall seek appropriate shelter and stay where she/he is
until danger passes
The Director shall assess her/his own damage, tend to family, loved
ones, and self first! If the Director is not available the
Assistant Director shall assume these responsibilities. In addition
to the above, the Director shall begin to give necessary disaster
response information to all pastors and churches in cooperation
with the EP. The Director shall begin to keep a list of damages to
each congregation and community, inquiring of each affected pastor
or church through communication from the Regional Coordinators. If
necessary, the Director shall set up an emergency communications
network, and work with the EP to arrange for temporary staffing.
The Director shall convene the task force for decision making and
ensure that necessary communication is occurring within the
presbytery and with outside agencies. As support agencies and
insurance companies respond, begin a list of “unmet needs” which
can serve as an assignment guide for work teams who come to assist
in recovery. Pay careful attention to the needs of the poor,
minorities, handicapped, elderly, the uninsured, and others who
might “fall through the cracks” when aid is disbursed. Ask each
affected church to carefully survey its community to bring these
unmet needs to light. Check these needs through MEMA, Red Cross,
Salvation Army or similar agencies. The Director in coordination
with the EP shall arrange to assess the spiritual as well as
physical needs. The Director shall also help make plans to meet
these needs, using as a resource the list of PDA RESOURCES FOR MID
COUNCILS (http://pda.pcusa.org/page/midcouncil-epda). REGIONAL
COORDINATORS The Regional Coordinators shall seek appropriate
shelter and stay where she/he is until danger passes and will
assess their own damage first. They will be available to send and
receive messages. If a Regional Coordinator is not available the
Director shall appoint another regional coordinator to assume these
duties.
ATTACHMENT B - Emergency Preparedness Information
RESPONSE RESOURCES & CONTACTS
http://www.michigan.gov/deq
517-373-8481
Michigan Emergency Management Association
3rd District Liaison - Ryan Manz
Ryan Manz serves as the Michigan Emergency Management Association
(MEMA) Liaison to District 3. Ryan is the Emergency Management
Coordinator for Bay City. He previously served as an Emergency
Services Program Coordinator and Director of Disaster and Military
Service for the American Red Cross. Contact
[email protected]
1-800-924-4541 x 512 1st District Liaison - Rob Wooten
Rob Wooten has served as the Michigan Emergency Management
Association (MEMA) Liaison to District 1 since 2014. Rob is
currently a Regional Planner with CLinton County Emergency
Management and Commander with the Clinton County Sheriff's Office
Special Rescue Team. Rob received his BA in Criminal Justice and BS
in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University in 2011.
He is also a Michigan Professional Emergency Manager (PEM) and
National Association for Search and Rescue SARTECH II. Contact
[email protected] 1-800-924-4541 x 509
ATTACHMENT B - Emergency Preparedness Information
Communication mechanisms in place and tested. Redundancy
encouraged.
Memos Of Understanding (MOU’s) established to move office and
operations if necessary. Representation established on local VOADs.
(Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters ) Insurance policies
stored electronically in multiple locations. Financial,
Statistical, and Rolls of Ministers and Educators stored
electronically in multiple
locations. Minutes and other records stored electronically in
multiple locations.
Staff informed of safe rooms and policies for continuation of
operations. Communications established with Presbyterian Disaster
Assistance (PDA), including
financial venues for the quick transfer of funds upon request.
Preparedness Coordination and Communication Plan plan in place and
understood. Arrangements made to have regular training/resourcing
for constituent
congregations. Planning coordinated with Synod Disaster personnel.
Review all policies and procedures on at least an annual basis.
Consider appointment of a Disaster Preparation/Response Committee
which can function
as a Commission in times of catastrophic disaster.
Questions/Comments?
Approved July 2017
Disaster Preparation Checklist for the Local Congregation
Congregational Disaster Response Coordinator(s) selected and
trained. Congregational Directory updated regularly. (Including
cell phone and e-mail addresses.) List of congregational members
with special needs noted and updated annually Insurance Policies
reviewed annually and saved in multiple locations. Financial and
Session records saved electronically and stored in multiple
locations monthly. Inventory of physical plant made and updated
annually. Video record recommended. Consultation with local
American Red Cross (ARC) and Emergency Management Association
(EMA) re: possible shelters in the area. Consultation with local
EMA re: possible disaster scenarios. Develop plans for each. Share
emergency kit information with congregation. Kits can be assembled
and distributed
by groups within the church to elderly and special needs
congregation. Coordinate with local/state emergency response
agencies to ascertain response partners and
roles of each. Determine if the physical plant can be used as an
emergency shelter, point of
distribution, etc. Develop a communication system within the
congregation (i.e. phone tree,
Shepherds, etc.) Participate in the network of response throughout
the Presbytery.
Questions or Concerns? Contact ________________________, Presbytery
Disaster Coordination and
Communication Director 800-621-6905
Presbytery of Lake Huron Disaster Preparedness Coordination and
Communication Plan
Church Contact Information Review this information and submit to
the Presbytery of Lake Huron annually along with annual pastor
compensation report. Congregation
Name____________________________________
Mailing Address _____________________________________
Physical Address _____________________________________
Office Phone ________________________________________
Office email _________________________________________
Title Name Home Phone Cell Phone email
Pastor Assoc. Pastor Clerk of Session Mod of Trustees Mod of
Deacons Treasurer Property Com Secretary Disaster Contact Please
provide the following information Name Phone (non-911) Local Fire
Local Police Local State Police Local Sheriff Ambulance Hospital
Local Government Local Highway Dept Red Cross
ATTACHMENT B - Emergency Preparedness Information
Presbytery of Lake Huron Disaster Preparedness Coordination and
Communication Plan
Church Emergency Preparedness Information
Documents Location of Originals Backed-up Where Presbytery contact
List Session Contact List Trustee Contact List Deacon Contact List
Member Directory Insurance Company Contacts Policy Numbers Building
Inventory Essential Church Records Historical Documents Bank and
Credit Card Info. Tax Exempt Certificate
ATTACHMENT B - Emergency Preparedness Information
Presbytery of Lake Huron Disaster Preparedness Coordination and
Communication Plan
Emergency in the Building Information
Local Phone Numbers Ambulance__________________________ Police
_____________________________ Fire
______________________________
Important Contact Information Be prepared to provide this
information during a call for first responders.
Church Name
Church Address
Church Phone
Pastor
Presbytery Office
Insurance Agent
DCC Regional
Coordinator
Immediately after an emergency in the building is controlled, the
pastor or clerk of session shall contact the EP or Director of DCC
before there is any contact with the media.
Approved July 2017
OF LAKE HURON
With Permission of
Emergency Preparedness Toolkit for Faith-Based
Organizations
ATTACHMENT B - Emergency Preparedness Information
Preface Emergency preparedness involves careful planning to prevent
and minimize danger. In order to keep faith-based organizations and
the individuals within them safe, careful preparation is vital.
This toolkit contains general information to get the process
started. The first step is communication and collaboration between
teams involved in emergency preparedness planning. The second step
is to assess safety needs by completing the enclosed surveys. Use
this toolkit to generate a site- specific emergency preparedness
plan. The facility plan can be distributed in strategic areas of
the building. Recommendations are to review and update the
emergency preparedness plan as needed.
Disclaimer: This document was created to serve as an outline for
faith-based organizations in order to plan for emergencies. Please
adapt and make changes to make it site-specific to your
organization.
Inspired by A Presentation on Emergency Preparedness for
Churches
Given by
Compiled by Deborah C. Dixson, BSN, RN-BC
Faith Community Nursing, Lead Coordinator
Christina L. Gersch, BS, BSN Student University of
Michigan-Flint
Adelia Holland, HM Faith Community Nursing, Health Ministry
Coordinator
Supported by Laura Rock, BSN, RN
Faith Community Nursing, Outreach
2
Table of Contents
Theft 19
ATTACHMENT B - Emergency Preparedness Information
Survey Assessment Use the survey below to determine where safety
and security improvements are needed.
• Have local police, fire department, or medical personnel visited
the building
to make recommendations?
• Is the building in need of major repairs?
• Is there adequate lighting in and outside of the building, and in
the parking
areas?
• Are the doors kept locked when the building is unoccupied?
• Is there a list of the people that have access to the building
after hours?
• Are all locks in good condition and checked regularly?
• Are all windows kept locked?
• Is there a security alarm system?
• Is there a panic button installed within the church
facility?
• Is there an inventory of valuable items kept in the main
office?
• Are first-aid kits kept and maintained on the premises?
• Are exits marked clearly?
• Are fire extinguishers kept in the church and inspected
regularly?
• Is there an AED in the church and someone with proper
training?
• Are there evacuation maps and plans posted in all the
rooms?
• Has the organization ever taken part in a scenario where
emergency
situations are practiced?
Planning
• Form a Church Safety and Security team
• Ask for help within the faith-based organization • Many members
may have prior experience and be willing to
participate in planning • Example: firefighter, nurse, doctor, law
enforcement
professional, or someone with a military background
• Review the Toolkit outline and modify and adapt it to fit the
needs of the church
• Determine Safety Managers
• Meet to discuss safety topics and delegate the topic sections to
appropriate personnel
• Example: have the firefighter group review and develop the Fire
Safety sections, and have the Law enforcement professional review
and develop the active shooter sections
Note: Screen new employees and volunteers with background checks
and .. references whenever possible.
5
Safety and Security Committee Name Email Cell Phone
Communication and Contact Lists
1 2
Scenarios
• What-if Scenarios should be used to assist in planning to help
the team find holes and allow for weak areas to be addressed
• What-if: • Someone has a medical emergency? • Someone brings a
weapon to the organization or an active shooter
comes into the building? • There is a fire, tornado, or
severe-weather? • The church gets robbed? • A bomb threat is called
in? • The church needs an evacuation?
Resources:
7
• Emergency Contact list • Establish a list of personnel that would
need to be contacted in the
event of an emergency • Example: Those who can lock and lock-down
the building,
office personnel
• Create an email group list for the entire organization to
communicate quickly and effectively about emergencies, closings,
and cancelations
• Media Spokesperson • Establish a short list of key members that
the organization would like
to represent them to the media if needed
• 9-1-1 Call or Text • Call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency •
Text 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency when noise may
interfere
with safety* • Type "9-1-1" in the text message recipient box and
include
message with the emergency, including location
Example Text Message:
New Message Cancel
To: 911 *Oakland County has a text to 9-1-1 program implemented
where text messages to 9-1-1 go directly to the
Oakland County Sheriff Department. Check with the local authorities
to determine if text to
9-1-1 is in your area. Pleasesend help there is an active shooter
at the church on 1234 Sesamem St.1 Send
Q W E R T Y U I 0 pl~,",-----,~-----.J,---,----.J--"L-....,,~
8
Evacuation Plan
• Designate a small group of leaders in the church responsible for
creating and carrying out the evacuation plan
• Post the evacuation plan blueprints with a brief summary of the
emergency preparedness plan
• All leaders should know the emergency evacuation exits
• Choose a designated gathering area location to meet after the
evacuation • Example: Parking lot near church exit
• Should the designated gathering area be deemed unsafe, choose an
alternate gathering area and include it on the evacuation
plan
• Choose an alternate location to hold meetings if the building is
destroyed
• If a building evacuation is initiated:
• Remain calm • Follow the instructions of your church leader •
Close doors to rooms as you leave • Use stairwells for evacuation •
Do not return for coats, purses, etc. • Do not return to the
building until the "all clear" signal is given • Ensure that there
are delegated members to assist seniors and
physically challenged persons
Include building floor plans and consider including the following
information:
• Emergency exits • Locations of fire extinguishers, fire alarms •
First aid kit locations • Evacuation gathering places • Rooms to
report to for severe weather such as a tornado or
thunderstorm • Automatic External Defibrillator locations
Example:
r +
c
Reference
LEGEND
Buildingfire emergency plans. (n.d.). Retrieved October 17,2016,
from http://www.conceptdraw.comlsolution- parklbuilding
-fire-emergency- plans
10
Shelter-in-Place Plan
• Designate a small group of leaders in the church responsible for
carrying out the Shelter-in-Place plan
• Use for severe weather or other applicable emergencies •
Designate rooms or hallways that can be used if a weather
threat
occurs • The shelter rooms should be interior rooms without
windows
• If there are windows close blinds and drapes, and keep people
away from windows
• Basement rooms should be used if possible • Close doors • Assist
individuals to the designated shelter-in-place areas •
Shelter-in-place until you hear an announcement from a
member of the safety leaders and/or a radio system station that it
is safe to return to your area
• Consider organizing an Emergency Kit for Shelter-in-Place
situations
• FEMA CERT recommends having a 3-day supply of food, water,
shelter, and first-aid items for faith-based organizations
11
Active Shooter: Prevention Plan
• Train greeters
• Train your greeters to be on the lookout for anyone that might
seem SUSpICIOUS
• Have the greeters report the suspicious behavior to authorities
and the church safety committee members as appropriate
• Designate Safe rooms • Do not designate a 'single room, but
identify which rooms could be
used • (Criteria: lockable, windowless, one entry/exit, sturdy
door
frame, light switch, off the main hallway, barricade objects,
self-defense items, first-aid kit, supplies, blankets, water)
• Example: Be cautious of active shooters that may already know the
pl~n
• Optional method to communicate to police while in safe rooms •
GREEN status card in door window if all members
are accounted for and safe • RED status card in door window if you
cannot account for all
members, have a medical emergency, or have noted something
SUSpICIOUS
• Optional YELLOW cards can be used if it is not an emergency, but
there is a problem
• If there is no door window, slide the card under the door into
the hallway
• Communicate the plan to faith-based organization members
Sample Cards are included on the next page. They can be made with
general construction paper and laminated. A good size is a normal
full sheet, or approximately 8.5 x 11 inches. Contact your local
authorities to determine the best method.
12
Example Safety Cards in an active shooter situation.
Question
13
Active Shooter: Imminent Threat
• Evacuate • Leave all belongings and help others • Designate
people to assist with physically challenged individuals • Follow
instructions of Police Officers • Call or text 911 when safe
• Hide Out • If evacuation is not possible, be out of view and find
a safe room • Lock door and/or blockade with heavy furniture •
Silence all cell phones, radios, and/or televisions • Hide behind
large items • Call or text 911 when safe
• Take action against active shooters as a last resort • Act as
aggressively as possible against the active shooter • Throw items
to catch them off guard and use improvised weapons
such as a fire extinguisher • Yell at the shooter
Reference:
Active Shooter Response Guide from the Oakland County Sheriff's
Office
14
Bomb Threat Emergency Plan
• In the event the faith-based organization receives a bomb
threat:
• Obtain as much information from the person as possible, and if
the threat is made via phone do not hang up
• Obtain as much information as possible • Call 911 immediately •
Identify yourself • State "I have received a bomb threat." • Give
your location • Provide the details obtained from the threat
• Example: Fill out an information card
• Evacuate the area and initiate the faith based organization's
planned communication method (text, email, or phone) in order to
notify members of closures, cancelations, and to stay away from the
building
15
Bomb Threat Information Card
• Exact words of caller: ----------------------------------- •
Caller's voice: (circle) Male Female
• Approximate Age: _
• (Circle) Black White Hispanic Asian Other: _
• (Circle all that apply) Calm Disguised Nasal Rapid Accent Nervous
Angry Sincere Slurred Loud Excited Giggling Stressed Crying
• If voice is familiar, whose did it sound like? _
• Background Noise: (circle) Music Children Typing Airplanes
Machinery Cars/Trucks Other: _
• Questions to ask caller:
• When is the bomb going to explode? _
• Where is the bomb? --------------------------------- • What does
it look like? ------------------------------- • What kind of bomb
is it? --------------- • Method of activation: mechanical, clock,
movement/chemical?
• Method of deactivation? ------------------------------ • Where
are you calling from? _
• What is your name? _
Severe Weather Plan
• A Tornado Watch • Status indicates that weather conditions are
favorable for the
development of tornadoes
• A Tornado Warning • An alert issued by the National Weather
Service after a tornado has
been detected by radar or sighted • The National Weather Service
provides the approximate time of
detection, the location of the storm, and the direction of
movement
• Severe Thunderstorm Watch • Issued when conditions are right for
development of storm
• Severe Thunderstorm Warning • Issued when storms with strong
winds, rain, and hail are expected
• Choose an alternate location to hold meetings if the building is
destroyed
• Plan • Shelter-in-place by moving to a designated tornado or
severe weather
shelter area immediately • Move quickly, but do not run • Use
Stairwells. • Assist physically challenged people in your area •
Shelter in place until you hear an announcement from the
safety
leader and/or a local media station that it is safe to return to
your area
17
ATTACHMENT B - Emergency Preparedness Information
Fire and Smoke Emergency Plan
• Designate a small group of leaders in the church responsible for
carrying out the plan
• Choose an alternate location to hold meetings if the building is
destroyed • Use the evacuation plan established in the Emergency
Toolkit
If Smoke or Fire Detected
Use RACE Acronym R Rescue those in immediate danger A Alarm
1. Activate the fire pull station 2. Call 9-1-1
C Contain the fire by closing all doors and windows E Extinguish if
possible- Evacuate if fire or smoke is discovered
• Coordinate with the Fire Safety Leaders
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher:
P Pull the pin A Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire S Squeeze
the handle S Sweep from side to side
t4memberl Pull
Theft Emergency Plan
• Check door and window locks regularly and determine if
improvements are necessary
• Consider installing a security camera system if possible
• Invest in a security alarm system and post notices outside the
building
• Contact local law enforcement authorities to coordinate regular
monitoring visits
• Have key employees responsible for locking the facility so that
it is always locked when the building is vacant
• Keep a list of valuables that are always kept in the building •
Examples: Computers, furniture, safe, antiques, artwork,
instruments,
sheet music, etc. • Do not keep this list in the EAP, keep the list
in the office only
• In the event of an actual theft • Report it immediately to local
law enforcement and include the items
missing, date, time, and persons involved
--
Medical Emergency Plan
• Designate a small group of leaders in the church responsible for
helping out in medical emergencies
• Example: List of people who know Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
(CPR) and where the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is
located
• Keep first aid kits in the building and maintain them with new
supplies
• In the event of an active medical emergency • Call 911 • Be
prepared to give the following information:
• Name, location, number of people involved, type injury • Treat
minor injuries with supplies in the first aid kits • Do not move
the sick or injured person • When professional help arrives, allow
responding units to take control
of situation
Planning for Disasters