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.
Presbytery of Lake Huron Disaster Preparedness Coordination and Communication 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. A. GENERAL PREPARATION Plan 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.
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.
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
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.
Regional Coordinators shall contact assigned churches, monitor damage in their area and shall report that damage to the Director. They shall advise on the most immediate needs. When it is safe Regional Coordinators shall assist as requested by the Director in communication and coordinating with other agencies for supplies and assistance. Regional Coordinators shall continue to communicate with the Director and the DCC, maintaining contact with assigned pastors, churches, and community leaders. Regional Coordinators shall compile a list of needs for their assigned area and convey this information to the Director. ADVISORY PANEL OR COMMITTEE These individuals are responsible for providing specialized professional advice. Such advice will generally have to do with Protection and Safety (of survivors, workers and the Presbytery), Possibilities (for advocacy, contact, creative response), and Propriety (what norms, whose turf may be involved). Advisers will be available in many areas: medicine, law, finance, banking, insurance, community organization, human rights, ecumenical and inter-faith relationships, governmental agencies, private enterprise, the environment, etc. LONG-TERM RESPONSE AND RECOVERY ISSUES It is important to remember that while immediate disaster response time can be counted in terms of days and weeks, long range recovery workers will need pastoral care for themselves and their families, in order that these workers may continue to be effective leaders. Disaster always puts great stress on persons and families involved in the response and recovery. The presbytery will need to plan for ways to minister to the special needs of these persons during times of crisis. C. RESOURCES FOR THE PRESBYTERY Important names and phone numbers _989 799-7481 The Rev. Dr. Dan Saperstein Executive Presbyter Director of Response Associate Director of Response Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Liaison RESPONSE RESOURCES & CONTACTS State Emergency Response Commission Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Title III Office http://www.michigan.gov/deq 517-373-8481 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency https://www.epa.gov/ 800-535-0202
Poison Control ATTACHMENT B - Emergency Preparedness Information 800-222-1222 Department of Homeland Security https://www.dhs.gov/report-incidents 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 district3@memaonline.org 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 district1@memaonline.org 1-800-924-4541 x 509
Disaster Checklist for the Presbytery of Lake Huron Presbytery Disaster Response Coordinators recruited, trained, and commissioned. 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? Contact Presbytery Disaster Coordination and Communication Director 800-621-6905 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 Local Fire Local Police Local State Police Local Sheriff Ambulance Hospital Local Government Local Highway Dept Red Cross Name Phone (non-911)
Presbytery of Lake Huron Disaster Preparedness Coordination and Communication Plan Church Emergency Preparedness Information Congregation Name Mailing Address Physical Address Office Phone Office email Pastor Home Address Home Phone Cell Phone Email Clerk of Session Home Address Home Phone Cell Phone E-mail Essential Document Storage 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
Presbytery of Lake Huron Disaster Preparedness Coordination and Communication Plan Emergency in the Building Information Local Phone Numbers Ambulance Police Fire Church Name Church Address Church Phone Important Contact Information Be prepared to provide this information during a call for first responders. On-site Emergency Phone ATTACHMENT B - Emergency Preparedness Information Pastor Clerk of Session Name Home Ph. Cell Phone Email Secretary/Office Mgr 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 ~f,~&~~mercy SAiNT JOSEPH MeRCY HEALTH SYSTEM Emergency Preparedness Toolkit for Faith-Based Organizations Faith Community Nursing
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 sitespecific 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. A Presentation Inspired by on Emergency Preparedness for Churches Given by Michael J. Bouchard Oakland County Sheriff 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 Beverly M. Beltramo, D. Min, BCC Chief Mission Officer 2
Table of Contents Preface 2 Table of Contents 3 Survey Assessment 4 Planning 5 Scenarios 7 Communication 8 Evacuation Plan 9 Shelter in Place 11 Active Shooter 12 Bomb Threat 15 Severe Weather ~ 17 Fire and Smoke Emergency 18 Theft 19 Medical Emergency 20 3
Survey Assessment Use the survey below to determine where safety and security improvements needed. are 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? 4
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 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 Name Email Cell Phone Communication and Contact Lists Evacuation Plan Shelter-in-Place Plan Active Shooter, Bomb Threat, and Theft Severe Weather Plan Fire Emergency Plan Medical Emergency Plan '. 6
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: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. Visit: https:llwww.fema.gov/community-emergency-response-teams 7
Communication 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. Please send help there is an active shooter at the church on 1234 Sesame m 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 9
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 r FIRE LEGEND + FIRST AID EXTINGUISHER C FIRE AlARM T EMERGENCY PHONE EXIT ffij FIRE BREAK GLASS g EMERGENCY I!!!I CONTACT INFORMATION Reference Buildingfire emergency plans. (n.d.). Retrieved October 17,2016, from http://www.conceptdraw.comlsolutionparklbuilding -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 time of call: ----- Date: ----- 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? _ Call received by: _ 16
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
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 A S S Pull the pin Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire Squeeze the handle Sweep from side to side t4memberl Pull Aim Squeeze Sweep https:lls-media-cache-ako.pinimg.comloriginals/48/64/40/4864405287704e320c6cfoc7e0332a69.jpg 18
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 -- 19
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 CG-1112016 20