germantown united methodist church safety/security ... · germantown united methodist church...

Germantown United Methodist ChurchSafety/Security/Emergency Evacuation Manual

2015

No. _____ of ______

��

Originated: 2014� 1

Table of Contents

� 2

GENERAL 6 .......................................................................................................................................................

BACKGROUND – SAFETY TEAM 6 .....................................................................................................................

CONTACT INFORMATION 6 ..............................................................................................................................

EMERGENCY MEETING LOCATIONS 8 ..............................................................................................................

Evacua?on Map First Floor 9 ...........................................................................................................................

Evacua?on Map Second Floor 10 ....................................................................................................................

Evacua?on Map Third Floor 11 ........................................................................................................................

Church Spokesperson 12 .................................................................................................................................

LEGAL FACTORS FOR GUMC SAFETY TEAM 12 .................................................................................................

STATEMENT OF GENERAL POLICY 12 ...............................................................................................................

WORSHIP SERVICE GENERAL PROCEDURE 12 .................................................................................................

Worship Service Protocol 12 .......................................................................................................................

Posi?oning of Safety Team Members 12 .....................................................................................................

Du?es per Member Posi?on 13 ..................................................................................................................

Team posi?ons 14 ............................................................................................................................................

Radio Opera?on 15 .........................................................................................................................................

Radio E?que[e 17 ..........................................................................................................................................

Radio loca?ons and Call Signs 18 ....................................................................................................................

FIRE/ARSON/EXPLOSION EVACUATION/SAFETY 20 .......................................................................................

Evacua?on Process 20 .................................................................................................................................

Evacua?on Routes 20 ..................................................................................................................................

Loca?on of Evacua?on Route Signage 20 ....................................................................................................

Deciding to use Fire Ex?nguishers 20 ..........................................................................................................

Loca?on of Fire Ex?nguishers (see maps on next pages) 20 ......................................................................

Fire Ex?nguishers First Floor 22 ......................................................................................................................

Fire Ex?nguishers Second Floor 23 .................................................................................................................

Fire Ex?nguishers Third Floor 24 ....................................................................................................................

Using a Fire Ex?nguisher 25 ............................................................................................................................

What to do if trapped by fire 26 .....................................................................................................................

INCLEMENT WEATHER EVACUATION/SAFETY 27 .............................................................................................

Iden?fying the occurrence of a Tornado 27 ....................................................................................................

Tornado/Hurricane Evacua?on Process 27 ......................................................................................................

Tornado Routes 27 ...........................................................................................................................................

Tornado Safe Zones First Floor 30 ...................................................................................................................

� 3

Tornado Safe Zones Second Floor 31 ..............................................................................................................

BOMB THREAT 32 ............................................................................................................................................

EARTHQUAKE 33 ..............................................................................................................................................

MEDICAL EVACUATION/SAFETY 34 ..................................................................................................................

Iden?fying the medical need 34 ......................................................................................................................

Adult Choking 36 .............................................................................................................................................

Child Choking 38 ..............................................................................................................................................

Infant Choking 39 ............................................................................................................................................

CPR Procedure Adult 40 ..................................................................................................................................

CPR Procedure Child 41 ...................................................................................................................................

CPR Procedure Infant 42 ..................................................................................................................................

AED Procedure 44 ..........................................................................................................................................

Loca?on of AED apparatus 44 .........................................................................................................................

911 – Loca?on of Emergency Phones (to be added) 44 ..................................................................................

When to report an incident – To whom 44 .....................................................................................................

CHEMICAL SPILL 45 ..........................................................................................................................................

GAS LEAK 46 ....................................................................................................................................................

BIOHAZARD THREAT 47 ...................................................................................................................................

Panhandling / Visitors reques?ng money 48 ...................................................................................................

• GUMC would like for the church to be welcoming to all people no ma[er race, gender, income or any other iden?fica?on that might make someone stand out to be different. 48 ..............................

INTRUSION MANAGEMENT 50 ........................................................................................................................

Safety Guidelines for Ac?ve Shooter Situa?ons 50 .........................................................................................

What to expect from responding police officers 53 ........................................................................................

Mastering Verbal “Judo” 53 .............................................................................................................................

Appropriate distance and posi?on 54 .............................................................................................................

How to deal with an upset person 54 .............................................................................................................

GENERAL INFORMATION 56 ............................................................................................................................

Emergency Contacts 56 ...................................................................................................................................

Emergency Shut Offs 58 ..................................................................................................................................

Elevator 61 ......................................................................................................................................................

Board of Trustees Supervision 63 ....................................................................................................................

Trustee Approval 63 ........................................................................................................................................

Training Exercises 64 ........................................................................................................................................

Weather Alert 68 ...........................................................................................................................................

� 4

Germantown United Methodist Church

Safety/Security/Emergency Evacuation Manual

Edition 1.0 Issued in 2014

Power Failure 68 ..............................................................................................................................................

Money Request homeless man 69 ..................................................................................................................

Money Request from woman and baby 69 .....................................................................................................

Disrup?on Nursery 70 ....................................................................................................................................

Disrup?on outside East Entrance 70 ...............................................................................................................

Threat to Pastor 71 ..........................................................................................................................................

Disturbance during worship 71 .......................................................................................................................

Elevator not working 72 ..................................................................................................................................

Odor of Gas 72 ................................................................................................................................................

Fire 73 .............................................................................................................................................................

Offering incident 1 74 ......................................................................................................................................

Offering incident 2 74......................................................................................................................................

� 5

GENERAL

Safety is a cri?cally important issue for all of us and for the organiza?ons within which we exist every day. Unfortunately, safety is an issue that is far too omen overlooked altogether or inadequately addressed. Safety encompasses many things; many more than will be referenced in this manual. The purpose of this manual is, however, to provide policy, procedures and other necessary informa?on to members of the Germantown United Methodist Church SAFETY TEAM and others, in order to equip them to, in turn, provide the safest environment possible for our members and friends during Sunday morning worship services and other group ac?vi?es.

This manual (Edi?on 1.0) is ini?ally offered in early 2014; however is intended to be a “work in progress” subject to upda?ng as needed. The copies of the edi?on are numbered and assigned to SAFETY TEAM members and others, so that subsequent Edi?ons can be redistributed to same, and all can be kept up to date. The manual is intended to offer current or updated church policy and general guidelines on the safety issues addressed. It is not meant, in any way, to be all inclusive.

BACKGROUND – SAFETY TEAMIn response to the ever increasing uncertainty and danger associated with public places and public buildings, with par?cular emphasis on schools and churches, the Germantown United Methodist Church SAFETY TEAM was formed in 2012. The team’s growth and development have been slow but steady. Its members recognize the importance of vigilance, safety and protec?on within the church, par?cularly on Sunday mornings during worship services. The GUMC SAFETY TEAM is modeled amer several more developed teams within larger churches in the area. While it has much to do rela?ve to further development, much progress has been made. The team recognizes that its growth, development and further sophis?ca?on is a “work in progress” that will span several years to come.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Germantown Methodist Church – 901 754-‐7216 o 2331 S Germantown Rd, Germantown TN 38138

• OLEC – 901 753-‐3100 o 2323 West St, Germantown TN 38138

• Germantown Dispatch Non-‐Emergency (Fire / Police) 901 754-‐7222 • Team Members

� 6

GUMC Safety Team

Name EmailMobile Number

Sunday School Class

Aubrey Smith [email protected] 901 489-‐4051 Seekers

Bailey Lowery [email protected] 901 331-‐0465 Trinity

Ben Kemker Sr. [email protected] 901 412-‐4198 Asbury

Brian Hailey [email protected] 901 351-‐3250 Preston

Brian Ueleke [email protected] 901 619-‐4926 Preston

Cliff Wentworth [email protected] 901 651-‐2393 Asbury

Dave Thompson [email protected] 901 289-‐6315

Derrick McNeal [email protected] 901 834-‐2217

Glense [email protected] Staff

Hugh Colville [email protected] 901 206-‐7921

J.B. Kiser jameskiser@a[.net 901 409-‐0740

Jim King [email protected] 901 233-‐4343 Seekers

John Wagner [email protected] 901 218-‐2518 Seekers

Julian Pierce [email protected] 901 246-‐5700

Lyle Muller [email protected] 901 490-‐3300

Marc Tate [email protected] 901 412-‐9008

Mark Schielke [email protected] 901 359-‐5922 Emmaus

Martha Cunningham [email protected] 901 483-‐1421 Asbury

Michael Regan [email protected] 901 828-‐8280

Mike Gibbons [email protected] 901846-‐7978 Preston

Mike Ritz [email protected] 901 277-‐6618 Fellowship Forum

Race Benne[ mjrgbenne[@comcast.net 901 598-‐8493 Emmaus

Ralph Hamilton [email protected] 901 356-‐6591 Seekers

Roger Woelke rogerwoelke@a[.net 901 277-‐5094 Seekers

Ron Fi[es sgti[[email protected] 901 489-‐1619

Ron Wiggins, Jr. [email protected] 630 862-‐9149 Asbury

Skip Miller [email protected] 901 484-‐8111

Steve Popernink [email protected] 901 508-‐4410 Apostles

� 7

mailto:[email protected]


























EMERGENCY MEETING LOCATIONS

�

� 8

Evacuation Map First Floor

�

� 9

Evacuation Map Second Floor

��

� 10

Evacuation Map Third Floor

��

� 11

Church Spokesperson

In the event of ANY incident, whether it be fire or inclement weather-‐related, or related to a medical emergency or threatened intrusion or violence, there will be the inevitable inves?ga?on by law enforcement and the media. Church policy states clearly that the Senior Pastor is to be the sole spokesperson for the church rela?ve to such an incident. In the event that the Senior Pastor is not available or incapacitated, the Lead Associate Pastor will be the sole spokesperson. In the event that the Lead Associate Pastor is unavailable or incapacitated, the Chief Administra?ve Officer will be the sole spokesperson to interact with any/all media inquiries.

LEGAL FACTORS FOR GUMC SAFETY TEAM

• What are guidelines re: what can and can’t be done by the team (to be developed)

STATEMENT OF GENERAL POLICYThe Germantown United Methodist Church SAFETY TEAM is pledged to provide improved safety and security to the church during worship services and other ac?vi?es in the areas of fire and inclement weather protec?on, first aid and medical care when needed and intrusion/threatened violence management.

WORSHIP SERVICE GENERAL PROCEDURE

Worship Service Protocol

Posi?oning of Safety Team Members • Two SAFETY TEAM members are posi?oned in the Sanctuary for every service. • Ideally, these members should be located in the front lem and rear right of the Sanctuary. See

a[ached drawing for desired posi?ons. • These loca?ons are in order to observe the Sanctuary from two, all-‐inclusive vantage points and

to be immediately accessible should any emergency situa?on arise.

� 12

Du?es per Member Posi?on • SAFETY TEAM members perform these du?es before/during/amer each service:

o Be seated prior to the service. Be vigilant re: those entering the sanctuary, par?cularly for any who don’t seem to “fit” or look suspicious/threatening.

o Scan the Sanctuary throughout the service for any later-‐arriving persons who might have an unusual look or any medical situa?on that might be developing.

o Be a[en?ve to sudden movements or sounds that could indicate something amiss. o Be a[en?ve to those a[endees closest to the aisles, par?cularly as the pastor(s) exit the

Sanctuary at the rear and side entrances. Watch “hands and waistbands” for any unnatural or unexpected movements or ac?ons.

o SAFETY TEAM member at front of Sanctuary – Be par?cularly a[en?ve to the Pastor exi?ng the side entrance.

o SAFETY TEAM member at rear of Sanctuary – Be par?cularly a[en?ve to the Pastor exi?ng the rear entrance. Precede him/her to the Narthex if possible and observe closely during the exit of a[endees, the shaking of hands, etc.

o Upon comple?on of the last service a Safety Team member should observe the pastors un?l they leave to their office area.

• Addi?onal SAFETY TEAM member posi?ons will be added (outside Sanctuary, as rovers and in strategic spots) per worship and other services as the team grows and develops.

� 13

Team positions

��

� 14

Radio Operation

Radio Use

• Remove radio from charger

• Turn the knob on the top of the radio to turn on the radio and to adjust the desired volume

• To transmit press and hold the center bu[on on the lem side. When you are finished talking, completely release the bu[on to hear any incoming transmissions.

• DO NOT PUSH ANY BUTTONS ON THE FRONT OF THE RADIO. All the radios should have the front bu[ons locked. If for some reason you find that your front bu[ons are not locked please no?fy Brian Hailey, Ma[ Burgess or Don Rhoads.

• When finished using the radio, turn it off and place it back on the appropriate charger and make sure the charging light on the charger is on.

Using the Ear piece

• When looking at the front of the radio there is a plas?c flap on the right side of the radio that needs to be opened.

• Observe that there are two different size input jacks, use the ear piece plug and ensure you are matching the proper prongs to the proper input jacks. Ensure that the plug is ?ghtly secured and pushed all the way into the input jacks

• Place the ear piece in your ear and then power on the unit and adjust the volume level to the desired level.

• To transmit, press the bu[on on the wire coming from the earpiece and hold it down un?l you finish transmiwng, then release completely. The microphone is located directly above the bu[on so be careful not to cover it when pressing the talk bu[on.

• When you are finished using the radio, remove the ear piece and close the flap on the side of the radio.

� 15

� 16

Radio Etiquette

• Only key up the radio when the informa?on you are going to broadcast is important or relevant to a situa?on involving the church. Remember that there are radios in mul?ple areas and can be heard by anyone so be cau?ous of what you say and when you say it.

• When transmiwng keep your informa?on brief and to the point so as to have the shortest ?me necessary of tying up the air waves. If you have lots of informa?on to give out, try to take a break so that if there is another team member wai?ng to broadcast something very important they have a chance to get out.

• Speak in a clear and calm manner that is easy for everyone to understand. Don’t speak so quick that a person has to ask you to repeat.

• When keying up the radio to speak iden?fy yourself and the person(s) your trying to reach by your posi?on.

o Ex 1) Sanctuary to Rover be advised that an individual has collapsed……

o Ex 2) Rover in Kid Quest to Any other team member can someone else come to my loca?on to assist with……

o Ex 3) Nursery to Safety Team member can someone please come and …..

• If you are responding to someone who is reques?ng assistance please indicate the area you are coming from. This might help another team member decide if they are closer and might be in a be[er posi?on to assist.

o EX 1) Rover in the area of the Narthax I will come in to the sanctuary and assist, please advise what area this individual is located.

o Ex 2) Rover to the welcome Center I am available to come to your loca?on

o Ex 3) Rover in Kid Quest area I will come and assist with….

• As the safety team evolves other specific posi?ons will be iden?fied and you will need to use those posi?ons as your radio call. By iden?fying your posi?on it helps a person to not think about where everyone is supposed to be and who is needed to call for a specific need.

• When advising a loca?on iden?fy by what most team members will know.

o Ex 1) Welcome Center (Do not say by the main entrance glass doors)

� 17

o Ex 2) Fellowship Hall Kitchen (Do not say the basement because we have several areas that could be considered the basement area)

o Ex 3) West side of the church Parking lot (Do not say in the parking lot because we have mul?ple areas of parking)

Radio locations and Call Signs

Please note the loca?ons and posi?ons listed below and use them as your

iden?fier and as the loca?on or person you are a[emp?ng to contact.

• Welcome Center – (radio always lem there with the individual in charge of the welcome center)

• Nursery – (radio always lem there with the individual in charge of the Nursery)

• Kid Quest – (radio always lem there with the individual in charge of Kid Quest)

• TREK – (radio always lem in the area with a youth leader or adult in charge)

• Sanctuary Front -‐ (this will be the person who is on duty in the sanctuary that sits in the front)

• Sanctuary Rear -‐ (this will be the person who is on duty in the sanctuary that sits in the rear)

• Rover -‐ (this will be the person on duty who is flexible during the service and can check the campus)

� 18

• Extra -‐ (this person does not have a specific task but is willing to help out if called upon)

• Other -‐ (if there has been or is a need for a special loca?on please indicate it on the sign in and we can address that person by the loca?on or the special assignment they might be doing)

� 19

FIRE/ARSON/EXPLOSION EVACUATION/SAFETYEvacua?on Process

• Help evacuate the building quickly and safely. • Be a[en?ve to those who need special assistance. • If you or your persons encounter smoke, stay as low to the ground as possible. • If you or your persons encounter a “hot” door, don’t open it and find another exit. • When your persons are safely out of the building, rendezvous with other Safety Team members

to account for all persons exi?ng the building.

Evacua?on Routes • Use, and be familiar with, the Evacua?on Route maps in pew racks and near exit doors.

Loca?on of Evacua?on Route Signage • Approved Evacua?on Routes are found in the red folders located in each pew rack in the

sanctuary and balcony. They are sensi?ve to Sanctuary and balcony loca?ons. • The Evacua?on Routes are also found on wall-‐mounted signs at each exterior exit door in the

general vicinity of the Sanctuary. The signs are specific to each loca?on and include a “You are Here” guide to facilitate quick orienta?on and use.

Deciding to use Fire Ex?nguishers a) Can I escape quickly if necessary? Yes? If no, leave immediately! b) Do I have the right type of ex?nguisher? Yes? If no, leave immediately! c) Is the ex?nguisher large enough for the fire? Yes? If no, leave immediately! d) Is the area free from other dangers, e.g. hazardous materials, falling debris, etc.? No? Leave

immediately! e) If answers are Yes, ex?nguish the fire!

Loca?on of Fire Ex?nguishers (see maps on next pages)

� 20

� 21

Fire Extinguishers First Floor

��

� 22

Fire Extinguishers Second Floor

��

� 23

Fire Extinguishers Third Floor

�

� 24

Using a Fire Extinguisher

�

� 25

What to do if trapped by fire

In a fire, you should always try to use your first exit. If you see smoke, try your second exit. If you must go through smoke to escape, crawl low on your hands and knees under the smoke where the air is cleaner and cooler. If you follow the steps above, you should be able to escape a fire without becoming trapped. But if you do become trapped in a room, you can take the following steps:

• Close all doors between you and the fire.

• Seal all the door cracks and vents where smoke could enter using wet towels, duct tape, linens, or clothing.

• Telephone the fire department (even if firefighters are already on scene) and tell them where you are. You can also signal to firefighters for help with a light cloth.

• If possible, open the window at the top and bo[om, but be prepared to shut the window immediately in case smoke blows in.

� 26

INCLEMENT WEATHER EVACUATION/SAFETY

• Safety Team members will closely monitor weather conditions by internet, TV or radio to help determine when congregation members should evacuate to safe zones.

Iden?fying the occurrence of a Tornado • Severe Watch: Forecast of severe weather possible in the area; normal ac?vi?es con?nue; Safety

Team will be monitoring the condi?ons. • Severe Weather Warning: A severe and dangerous weather situa?on is approaching or in the

area. Everyone needs to be on alert and Safety Team will be on standby to alert if there is a possibility that people will be in danger.

Tornado/Hurricane Evacua?on Process • Evacuate room to designated safe zones (see map). • Ensure that anyone with special needs is given assistance. • Move quickly and quietly listening for any changes from the Safety Team. • Ideal safe zones (see map and routes) are ground floor rooms or interior hallways with no

exterior windows. • Avoid windows, Sanctuary, gym or any large area with many windows. North and East walls are

preferable to the south and west walls. • Sit in the fetal posi?on on the floor with face and head protected. If possible, get under a table

or desk. • When it appears to be clear, wait another 5 minutes to come from your loca?on. A[empt to

account for everyone in your group, and then provide any medical assistance to those who may need it. Also, if possible, a[empt to contact a Safety Team member to advise of any injuries or lack of accountability.

Tornado Routes • See Routes marked on signage at cri?cal exit doors in Sanctuary area and in hymnal racks.

Location of Tornado Evacuation Route Signage (additional maps next page) • Approved Evacua?on Routes are found in the red folders located in each pew rack in the

sanctuary and balcony. They are sensi?ve to Sanctuary and balcony loca?ons. • The Evacua?on Routes are also found on wall-‐mounted signs at each exterior exit door in the

general vicinity of the Sanctuary. The signs are specific to each loca?on and include a “You are Here” guide to facilitate quick orienta?on and use.

� 27

� 28

� 29

Tornado Safe Zones First Floor

��

� 30

Tornado Safe Zones Second Floor

��

� 31

BOMB THREATIn the event of a bomb threat or the discovery of a bomb in place, the following guidelines should be followed:

• Don’t touch anything that is believed to be an explosive device

• Do not use a radio, cell phone or any other electronic device in the building where the device was located

• Use the appropriate evacua?on route and move quickly as possible providing assistance for anyone with special needs. (best to evacuate the en?re building and have all people relocate across the streets to other secure loca?ons)

• Locate a safety team member, or staff member in person to advise of the possible situa?on

• Remain at the evacua?on site un?l given further instruc?ons by safety team member

• A safety team member will call 911, and other necessary staff

Factors to consider for a bomb threat via phone:

• How much informa?on did the caller provide? (You can generally get more info out of a caller when it is not a hoax.)

• Consider the seriousness in the voice of the caller.

• Where any specific details given?

• Any missing chemicals?

• Did the caller have knowledge of the design or layout of the facility

• Any recent break-‐in? (Look for evidence of illegal entry.)

• Did the caller give repeated warnings? This seriously escalates the degree of danger.

• Check any surveillance available for anything suspicious.

• Have there been na?onal bomb incidents lately?

• Have there been other hoaxes lately?

• Have there been any hos?le lay members or staff members leave the church recently?

� 32

EARTHQUAKE

• Upon the first sign of tremors;, persons are to seek immediate cover o Get beneath any tables, chairs or other sturdy objects to help protect your head from

falling objects o If unable to locate a solid object to protect yourself, get into a fetus posi?on while

covering your head with your arms • Avoid being in any rooms with excessively high ceilings • Once tremors have ceased, immediately exit the building, traveling the most direct route and

providing assistance to anyone with special needs • Make contact with a Safety Team member to advise if your en?re group was able to get out

safely and what room you were in.

� 33

MEDICAL EVACUATION/SAFETYIden?fying the medical need Quickly iden?fy the medical need as closely as possible. Specifically assign a team member or other person to call 911 if warranted.

Be prepared to answer such questions • Approximate age of Male or Female • Possible symptoms or issue • Exact location • Any known medical issues

First Aid Procedure (how?)

LocaIon of First Aid Kits (to be added)

� 34

� 35

Adult Choking

�

� 36

� 37

Child Choking

�

� 38

Infant Choking

�

� 39

CPR Procedure Adult

�

� 40

CPR Procedure Child

�

� 41

CPR Procedure Infant

� 42

�

� 43

AED Procedure

�

Loca?on of AED apparatus GUMC currently u?lizes 3 AED appliances. The ba[eries for same are checked monthly. These appliances are located a) in the 2nd floor hallway leading to the nursery, bride’s room and parlor, b) in the hallway near the chapel and “Huddle” children’s room, and c) in the main OLEC lobby.

911 – Loca?on of Emergency Phones (to be added)

When to report an incident – To whom Accident/Injury Report Forms are kept in the 3rd floor Copy Room. Any accident and/or injury incurred on the premises of GUMC should be reported by filling out the form and turning it in to the church office.

� 44

CHEMICAL SPILLInside the building:

• Evacuate the area immediately • Check the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)* to determine the urgency of the situa?on • No?fy the Chief Administra?ve Officer or someone in charge as soon as possible • This person will call the fire department if deemed necessary for consola?on

*MSDS sheets should all be contained in a notebook in the main office area on the 3rd floor

Outside the building:

• Stay in a secure area un?l given instruc?ons by the fire department • Ensure all persons in the building remain there un?l the area is considered safe • Shut off all outside air ven?lators • Call 911 if unsure what the spill is or have a concern for the welfare of others • Keep phone lines clear for emergency calls only

� 45

GAS LEAKNatural gas leaks in the building may occur and bring danger of explosion. Natural gas rises and will omen be outside because most gas lines are outside the building. Natural gas is mixed with Mercaptan to give it odor. The gas goes up with the odor goes down.

If a leak is in or near the building

• Evacuate the building immediately following your building evacua?on plan. (use fire evacua?on plan)

• Do not use cell phones or other electronic devices un?l a safe distance from the building.

• Once clear ensure that someone from your class or room locates a safety patrol person or staff member to let them know that your group is out safely.

If there is inclement weather people will evacuate to the OLEC for shelter un?l the problem is iden?fied and deemed safe or the OLEC will evacuate to the church side.

� 46

BIOHAZARD THREATFollow procedures established by your local emergency responders (fire departments, police, EMA, Hazmat, etc.). Implement the following procedures if any of your facility receives any kind of biohazard threat) including anthrax and chemical agents) or if your facility has a biohazard emergency:

• Immediately call 911; no?fy Church Administra?on • The person immediately exposed to the poten?al agent MUST remain where they are. They

should try to avoid inhaling or touching the substance. • Try to contain the substance in the package in which it came. Do not a[empt to clean any spilled

contents. Cover the spilled contents and the package or le[er with anything handy – trash can, cardboard box, paper, etc.

• Proceed with lock down procedures. Explain that informa?on will be forthcoming as to why the lock down has occurred. Try to dispel alarm and panic by keeping informa?on basic. All persons should remain in their respec?ve areas un?l no?fied otherwise.

• Make sure all persons involved in any outdoor ac?vity are brought into the main building. If it is certain these persons could not have been exposed, contact the incident commander and inform him/her of the situa?on before moving them.

• Persons who arrive at the facility during the ini?al phase of the shelter-‐in-‐place situa?on and who could have been exposed should be brought into the main building. If it is certain these individuals could not have been exposed, contact the incident commander and inform him/her of the situa?on.

• Individuals arriving to the facility to pick up or check on the welfare of others (non-‐emergency personnel) should be isolated in a secure area outside the facility pending further instruc?ons from public safety officials.

• Ensure that the shut-‐down procedures for the HVAC systems are ini?ated. All staff or emergency team members should be trained on how to shut down ven?la?on equipment, as the plant manager may be unable to handle this task.

• Emergency team members need to ensure exterior doors have been secured and supervise movements in the facility

• Address issues concerning persons with special needs who require special assistance. Be aware of individuals who are in need of medica?on, especially in situa?ons where shelter-‐in-‐place is for longer periods of ?me.

• Do not evacuate persons from the facility un?l emergency responders have done their inves?ga?on and given permission.

• Depending on the evolving nature and scope of the emergency, it may be necessary to increase the level of security by moving to a complete lock down.

• Assign a responsible person to monitor the news and report any per?nent news to the persons in charge

• A[empt to keep all persons as calm as possible but give frequent updates to the situa?on; providing necessary and accurate informa?on

• Amer the incident, ensure there is a ?me for debrief.

� 47

Panhandling / Visitors requesting money• GUMC would like for the church to be welcoming to all people no matter race, gender,

income or any other identification that might make someone stand out to be different. • GUMC discourages members to just hand out cash to any visitors that walk into the

church and ask for money. o Church members are asked to direct any visitors soliciting to the welcome center

or to a safety team member. o Safety team member will meet such visitors and stay with them until their needs

have been satisfied or a pastor has had an opportunity to speak with them.

Any visitor reques?ng money will be asked to go to the welcome center or meet with a member of the safety team. That safety team member will then request that the visitor a[ends the next available service. If the visitor comes during the last service they are welcome to wait in the welcome center un?l the end of the service. All safety team members should be advised that a visitor asking for money is on the property and specify there loca?on. Upon the comple?on of the service a safety team member will provide a proper introduc?on to the pastor and advise that pastor the needs of the individual. The pastor will make a decision on how the church can provide assistance. Once the pastor has completed his ?me with such visitor a safety team member will observe from a distance that the individual leaves the church property without asking for anything from any other church members in the parking lot. If any visitor does stop to ask for handouts in the parking lot a safety member may ask that guest to politely leave the property and if not Germantown Police may be contacted.

• Members who wish to help those wanting a handout may; o Meet with a pastor o Donate to your choice of homeless shelters that GUMC supports o Donate to the church specifying your funds go to walk-in’s with needs

� 48

� 49

INTRUSION MANAGEMENT

Safety Guidelines for Active Shooter SituationsUsAn ac?ve shooter is a person who appears to be ac?vely engaged in killing or a[emp?ng to kill people in a populated area; in most cases ac?ve shooters use firearm(s) and there is no pa[ern or method to their selec?on of vic?ms. These situa?ons are dynamic and evolve rapidly, demanding immediate deployment of law enforcement resources to stop the shoo?ng and mi?gate harm to innocent vic?ms. This document provides guidance to faculty, staff, and students who may be caught in an ac?ve shooter situa?on, and describes what to expect from responding police officers.

Guidance to faculty, staff, and studentsIn general, how you respond to an ac?ve shooter will be dictated by the specific circumstances of the encounter, bearing in mind there could be more than one shooter involved in the same situa?on. If you find yourself involved in an ac?ve shooter situa?on, try to remain calm and use these guidelines to help you plan a strategy for survival.

If the shooter is outside the building

• Turn off all lights and close and lock all windows and doors.

• Close all window blinds and curtains.

• If you can do so safely, get all individuals on the floor and out of the line of fire.

• Move to a core area of the building if safe to do so and remain there un?l an “all clear” instruc?on is given by an authorized known voice.

If the shooter is inside the building

• If it is possible to flee the area safely and avoid danger, do so.

• Contact 911 with your loca?on if possible.

• If flight is impossible, lock all doors and secure yourself in your space.

• Close all window blinds and curtains.

• Get down on the floor or under a desk and remain silent.

• Get individuals on the floor and out of the line of fire.

• Wait for the “all clear” instruc?on

If the shooter comes into your class or office

� 50

• There is no procedure that authori?es can recommend.

• A[empt to get the word out to other staff.

• Call 911 if possible.

• If flight is impossible, a[empt to nego?ate with the individual.

• Put distance between yourself and the offender.

• If possible keep an escape route behind you.

• Demonstrate an interest in solving the problem.

• As a last resort an only in your life is in imminent danger a[empt to incapacitate the shooter ac?ng with physical aggression.

• Report suspicious individuals

• Do not approach a suspect individual yourself.

• If you suspect the person is armed or see a weapon, call 911 immediately.

• Give your loca?on, name, and reason for calling.

• Be ready to supply a physical descrip?on of the individual: age, weight, hair color and length, clothing, facial hair and any other dis?nguishing feature.

• If the individual is in a vehicle, a[empt to get the vehicle make, model and color as well as the license plate number, if possible.

• Contact Public Safety as quickly as possible while monitoring the loca?on of the person if feasible.

� 51

� 52

What to expect from responding police officersPolice officers responding to an ac?ve shooter are trained to proceed immediately to the area in which shots were last heard; their purpose is to stop the shoo?ng as quickly as possible. The first responding officers will normally be in teams of four (4); they may be dressed in regular patrol uniforms, or they may be wearing external bulletproof vests, Kevlar helmets, and other tac?cal equipment. The officers may be armed with rifles, shotguns, or handguns, and might be using pepper spray or tear gas to control the situa?on.

Regardless of how they appear, remain calm, do as the officers tell you, and do not be afraid of them. Put down any bags or packages you may be carrying and keep your hands visible at all ?mes; if you know where the shooter is, tell the officers. The first officers to arrive will not stop to aid injured people; rescue teams composed of other officers and emergency medical personnel will follow the first officers into secured areas to treat and remove injured persons. Keep in mind that even once you have escaped to a safer loca?on, the en?re area is s?ll a crime scene; police will usually not let anyone leave un?l the situa?on is fully under control and all witnesses have been iden?fied and ques?oned. Un?l you are released, remain at whatever assembly point authori?es designate.

Mastering Verbal “Judo”• Verbal Judo is the art of using one’s own words to prevent, de-‐escalate or end an a[empted

assault. o Use the language – as much as possible – of your audience. o Talk in a way that makes neither person lose face. o Laugh off or ignore any verbal insults. This disarms the intruder. o Don’t openly resist your opponent. Rather, move with him and redirect his energy. Use

ques?ons as an opportunity to be[er control the discussion. o Take a moment to employ empathy. Try to appreciate how the other person is thinking.

Speak with this perspec?ve in mind. This will help gain rapport. o Do NOT always use the first words that come to your mind. You will regret it. o Interrupt people – without insul?ng them – by paraphrasing. This adds a 3rd person.

▪ Good example = “let me be sure that I heard what you said”. ▪ DON’T use “Wait a second” or “Listen!”

o Control your voice w.r.t. tone, pace, pitch and modula?on o Four steps to a good domes?c dispute

▪ Paraphrase ▪ Paraphrase again ▪ Refocus the other’s a[en?on

� 53

▪ Say what you want to say in a controlled, precise, empathe?c manner o Five steps to generate voluntary compliance

▪ Listen ▪ Empathize ▪ Ask ▪ Paraphrase ▪ Summarize

Appropriate distance and position• Always posi?on yourself between the intruder and – if you have iden?fied him/her – the target. • Always a[empt to stay at least 6 feet away from the intruder, so to avoid accidental contact. • As you can, move toward the intruder, keeping yourself between him/her and target. This, to

gradually move the intruder toward the exit door or a more neutral area for discussion.

How to deal with an upset personNever argue back: Remember that the simple mathema?cal rule of ‘two nega?ves make a posi?ve ‘does

not work in this case. You have to face a confronta?onal situa?on by calming the irate individual with

your posi?ve and professional behavior. You must resolve to stay calm and aim to assist the person even

in the most difficult situa?ons. It is only by empathizing with their view point and sugges?ng a possible

solu?on that you will resolve the situa?on.

Use your ears more than your mouth: Remember that you have two ears and only one mouth – so make

sure you listen more than you speak. If you try to respond forcefully when someone is angry, then the

situa?on will certainly get out of control and you are unlikely to succeed in resolving the situa?on. More

importantly, by listening carefully, you will be able to understand why someone is upset and you can take

the appropriate steps to help them.

Show that you care: Once the anger subsides, there will be a short interval when the individual will

pauses for breath and that is when you have an opportunity to express your empathy and

understanding. You have to show that you care and that you will do everything within your power to try

and resolve the situa?on. This exhibi?on of your concern will help win over the upset person and half

your ba[le will be won. There will hopefully be a significant change in their behavior and you will be able

to turn the situa?on around.

Be paIent: It never pays to be impa?ent. Although it is not easy to control one’s emo?ons when

someone is being unreasonable in their behavior, you will have to remain professional, friendly and

coopera?ve in order to succeed. Having pa?ence with people and with yourself will go a long way in

winning over hos?le individuals.

� 54

Be posiIve in your approach: Even in the worst of circumstances, try to overcome all nega?ve

tendencies and adopt a posi?ve approach and mindset. This will also help you to manage your stress

effec?vely so you are not weighed down by the hos?le awtude of the upset person.

Control your anger: Gewng angry is a common trait of human nature but you should learn to control

your anger, relax and calm yourself so that you can express your anger in a subtle way without showing

any emo?ons towards the upset individual.

De-‐stress yourself from Ime to Ime: By the ?me you succeed in winning over the upset individual, you

will naturally be exhausted and stressed. It is important for your own health that you learn how to de-‐

stress yourself. There is nothing like a hot cup of coffee to rejuvenate your sagging nerves. Or take some

?me off to listen to some music or chat with your friends. Apart from music, medita?on and breathing

exercises may be effec?ve. However, these are only sugges?ons; there is no fixed recipe for dealing with

stressful emo?ons – you have to find what works for you.

The above guidelines are very useful in every situa?on in life and you can successfully tackle hos?le

circumstances by following them.

� 55

GENERAL INFORMATION

Emergency Contacts

911

Germantown (non-‐emergency, Police, fire & Medical) 901-‐754-‐7222

Germantown United Methodist Church

901-‐754-‐7216

Owens Life Enrichment Center (OLEC)

901 753-‐3100

Brian Hailey – Captain of Safety Team

Cell 901 351-‐3250

[email protected]

José San?ago – Plant Manager

Cell 901-‐359-‐8878

Ronnie Burns

Cell 901 444-‐1125

Jonathan San?ago

Cell 901 244-‐0255

Pastor on call

Cell 901 444-‐7857

� 56


� 57

Emergency Shut OffsFire

• The control panel for all pull stations and sensors is located in the glass office on the third floor. This should be where any fire personal should be directed to. You may also view the screen on this box to determine where the alarm has detected a problem.

• The shut off valve for the sprinkler system is located in the Mechanical room on the ground floor. Only Fire personal should attempt to control this system.

� �

(Entrance to Admin Office third floor) (Fire Control Box for enIre building)

� 58

� (Mechanical Room Access Door)

Water

• There are two main valves that you can shut off water with. One is for the cold water and the other is for the hot water. These valves can be found in the Mechanical room, on the ground floor, in the N/W corner of the room. See pics below.

� �

(Cold Water shut off) (Push handle down unIl it stops)

� 59

� �

(Hot Water shut off) (Pull handle down unIl it stops)

Gas

• Shut off valve is located just outside the chapel on the North / East side of the property.

Electricty

• The main breaker for the entire church in located in the boiler room on the groud floor. It is on the West Wall. If the chruch ever looses power this will have to be reset once power has come back on in the area. To do that pull the lever to the off position then turn it back on. See pics below

� 60

! ! (Breaker is on Lower right side) (Pull down to turn off and push up to turn on)

Elevator • In the case that the elevator get stuck or just stops working and someone is on it go to the

elevator room (there is one for each elevator on the ground floor by the double doors going into choir areas) and power down the system wait approx. 30secs and then power it back up. This should reset the system. For any other problems contact: o ThyssenKrupp Elevator - 901-377-1993, Ext. 103

� 61

! ! (This sign is outside the door) (The larger breaker on the left side of the room)

! (Pull down, wait 30s, then push back up)

� 62

Board of Trustees Supervision

The Board of Trustees shall have the supervision and care of all real property and of all property and equipment, the use of which is to carry out the ministry of the Church, subject to the consent of the Senior Pastor or his designated representa?ve and in accordance with the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church.¶ 2532, Board of Trustees Powers and Limita3ons, page 722, UMC Book of Discipline, 2008.

Trustee Approval

This Safety/Security Manual – dated 2014 – is APPROVED and ADOPTED this ____ day of ______, 2014, by the Board of Trustees of Germantown United Methodist Church.

_____________________, Chairman __________________, Vice Chairman

________________________________ ___________________________________

� 63

Board of Trustees Board of Trustees

Training ExercisesMedical 1

Sunday Morning during 11:00am worship service while everyone is singing just before the sermon an older gentleman is observed by surrounding people to be swaying and becoming unsteady on his feet. The individual appears to be possibly in his 70’s and looks to weigh close to 175lbs. He is accompanied by his wife who encourages him to sit down and provides as much comfort to him as she can while trying to figure out what is happening. The couple is siwng in the middle of the pew about 10 rows back from the front on the pulpit side. Once the music is over and everyone sits down the rear Safety Team member no?ces that a few people are crowding around this couple. What do you do?

Amer doing _an Assessment___ you determine that the subject is diabe?c and has a history of seizures. Now what do you do?

__The first thing that any team member should do is radio a broadcast that there is a possible problem and the loca?on. A team member(s) should quickly approach the subject, likely asking people in the same pew to relocate so that you or any other safety team members can provide assistance. Any other people that are possibly crowding around should be asked to give some space. Team members should speak with the man and his wife to determine if immediate call to 911 should be made. If they and yourself feel the man needs some air and ?me, get the wheelchair and remove the individual from the sanctuary possibly into the Narthex area. If a call to 911 is determined necessary, advise the loca?on and best door for the emergency personal to come to. If possible have someone stand outside that door to meet any emergency personal and direct them to the loca?on of the man. This individuals name and contact info should be taken for documenta?on of this event and perhaps so a pastor can follow up on his condi?on later.

� 64

Medical 2

Sunday morning during 8:30 worship service during communion an elderly lady that uses a cane trips as she exits her pew. She is located on the Lectern side approximately 10 rows from the back. When she fell she fell into the isle and has landed across the walking path that everyone takes as they go up for communion. Safety Team member in the rear immediately sees what’s happened and runs to this ladies side along with the two ushers. What do you do?

Upon speaking with the lady, you find out that she is experiencing a great deal of pain in her hip that she recently had replaced.

_First ac3on that a safety team member should take is to place a broadcast out to the welcome center and all other safety team members. Working with the Ushers help redirect traffic and send another team member or a reliable person to the front to discreetly advise the lead pastor to what is happening and what the plan of ac3on will likely be. With the understanding that the lady recently had a hip replacement there should not be any aCempt to move her. 911 should immediately be called and the loca3on and best entrance should be advised. Ideally the call will be made by the welcome center, but can be called by a team member. Once it is known that emergency personal are on the way one team member needs to stay with the woman providing comfort and giving instruc3on to any other persons who are trying to help. Any other team members need to help come up and execute a plan to have the sanctuary evacuated at the conclusion of the service pending the pastor decides to con3nue. Also to be considered is providing traffic control to assist with emergency personal coming in and out of the building. If possible a team member should acquire the lady’s name and contact info for documen3ng the incident.

� 65

Weapon complaint

Sunday morning between 8:30am and 9:40am the volunteer from the welcome center has called over the radio for someone from the Safety Team to come talk about a complaint. While responding one of the team members is stopped by a congrega?on member and express concern about a man who was down in the fellowship hall and appeared to be carrying a handgun on their hip. The member con?nues to say that he only saw a glimpse of it when the man was adjus?ng his jacket and believes that there is a bulge in that same area of where they saw the gun. The Safety team member gets a brief descrip?on of this individual. What do you do?

The individual that was described is believed to be observed by one of the safety team members entering into the sanctuary just before the 9:40am service. The team member does not observe any unusual bulge but the descrip?on does seem to fit what you were advised. What do you do?

__As in most situa3ons it is best to communicate over the radio what you might be dealing with. However in this situa3on it might be best to ask other team members to meet you in person so that in case any other church members can hear the radio they do no panic over the thought of someone carrying a gun. Next, it is not illegal for any individual to carry a gun as long as they have a carry permit. It is not the place of any safety team member to ask if they have a permit so for this situa3on it is best to just assume they do and just keep an eye on them, especially if no one can iden3fy the individual as someone who has aCended church here before. If someone has the ability to meet with this man, welcome him and just see what you can do to help welcome him to the church. By doing this you will get a feel for what kind of inten3ons he might have. If you feel there is a great concern call the police department and ask them to come out and check the individual out.

� 66

� 67

Weather Alert Sunday morning during the 11:00 Service the tornado sirens sound. Safety team members did speak to each other before the service and discussed that the area was under a tornado watch. The sanctuary is about 75% full. The skies appear very dark and there is considerable wind outside. What do you do with the people in the sanctuary? How do you alert the people in Sunday school? How do you alert the people across the streets in other buildings? What do you do?

_First thing to do is ensure that all safety team members are on the same page for evacua3on and what task they will perform. Use the radio and communicate what you will be doing so other team members can focus on other task that need to be completed. Ideally the front team member should approach the pastor and see if they would like to give instruc3ons or if they would like for you to do it. Instruc3ons need to give clearly and briefly to where everyone should go. It is very important to advise that the youth and children are being taken to their designated areas by their leaders and will be safe. Also we should ask anyone for who is handicapped or has special needs to maintain their sea3ng area and wave for a team member to meet them and provide assistance. We should also suggest that the elevators not be used in case of a loss of power. Anyone who is not in the sanctuary should help no3fy classes and other people located elsewhere in the building. Team members should also aCempt to no3fy people in other GUMC buildings. If you feel you can safely move to those buildings do so quickly otherwise do the best you can to make contact by phone. Other buildings should shelter in place in the safest loca3ons.

Power Failure Sunday morning during the early part of the 8:30am service the en?re church has an unexpected power failure. Amer approx. 3 mins the power s?ll has not come on. A team member has gone outside and observed that other business nearby are without power as well. What do you do?

� 68

_Use the radio to communicate who will meet with the pastor to decide if service can con3nue on. It will be the pastor’s decision to con3nue or not. Other team members can go immediately to the elevator and ensure that there are no persons on them. Lastly be visible and help provide comfort to everyone ensuring everything will be ok.

Money Request homeless man Sunday morning just as the 8:30am service is beginning Safety Team members get a call over the radio to come assist in the welcome center for an individual asking for money. Team member(s) show up to meet what you believe to be a homeless individual. He is dressed in mul?ple layers of clothes and is carrying a large duffel bag and does not look like he has showered in quite some ?me. He advises that he is need of some money so he can get him to see his dying mother. He recently received word that she became very ill and did not have much ?me to live. He says his mother lives in FL and he wants to try and catch a bus. What do you do?

_It is GUMC policy that only the pastor decides who gets money or handouts. Follow the direc3ve that was wriCen in the Safety Manual on how to handle the situa3on. No maCer how desperate someone seems it is the responsibility of the pastor to decide how to meet his or her needs. Team members should be aware that such individuals are on the property and extra diligence should be taken.

Money Request from woman and baby Sunday morning just before 8:30am service the Safety Team gets a call over the radio reques?ng that someone comes to the welcome center. When the team member(s) arrives the volunteer advised that a woman came in with her baby and needed some money for gas and baby food. The team member speaks with the lady and she states they have been living out of their car and didn’t know anyone else to get help from. She states she just moved here and her husband beat her and couldn’t go back to her apartment. What do you do?

_It is GUMC policy that only the pastor decides who gets money or handouts. Follow the direc3ve that was wriCen in the Safety Manual on how to handle the

� 69

situa3on. No maCer how desperate someone seems it is the responsibility of the pastor to decide how to meet his or her needs. Team members should be aware that such individuals are on the property and extra diligence should be taken.

Disrup?on Nursery Sunday morning just before 11:00am service Safety Team gets a call from the Nursery. When team member(s) arrive they are advised that there are two parents that are becoming very loud with an argument over who is allowed to take the children. Amer the team member(s) meets with the couple they learn that they are going through a divorce and there are some custody issues. Neither of them have any paperwork on them sta?ng who is to have the children and when. What do you do?

_Always make sure all team members know what is happening via radio. The first thing to do is to determine who brought the child in. Usually the person who brought them is the one who is supposed to have custody of the children. Next advise that if a conclusion cannot be reached immediately and calmly that the police will be no3fied. If the couple does not come to a solu3on then call the police and have them take responsibility for the situa3on. Team members can help redirect people and keep the environment calm while police are on the scene. If possible get the names of the individuals for documen3ng the incident.

Disrup?on outside East Entrance Sunday morning just before 11:00 service a Safety Team member is advised that something does not look right between a couple just outside the East main doors to the church. Team member(s) go outside to find that a female and male are arguing. The team members ask if everything is ok and the male subject quickly advises you to go away the ma[er does not concern you. The female appears upset looks like she has been crying. What do you do?

_The team member that was advised of the situa3on should immediately no3fy other team members via radio of what they know and where the incident is taking place. Use your verbal judo to try and deescalate the situa3on and offer some assistance by providing a pastor or Steven Minister to speak with them. If you feel

� 70

that the situa3on could be poten3ally dangerous for either party call the police and have them evaluate the situa3on. Try not to get either party upset with you or anyone else and if need, step away to not cause any further aggrava3on. Do not leave the area! Keep the couple in your eyesight so you can be a witness to the police to what you observe. You can have the welcome center contact the police or you can do it via cell phone, but make sure you know where they need to respond to and if the confronta3on is verbal or physical.

Threat to Pastor Sunday Morning amer the 11:00am service the lead pastor is met with an irate individual just outside the sanctuary doors. This individual is a male in his mid-‐twen?es approx. 6’ tall and weighing around 250lbs and has not been seen at the church before. The subject is gewng in the pastors face and verbally abusing him. It is unknown if the subject has any weapons. This ac?on was observed by the rear Safety Team member. What do you do?

_The team member that observed this should immediately alert all others on the radio to what they are observing and their loca3on while moving quickly to the scene. Once that same team member gets to where the disrup3on is they must aCempt to use verbal judo to help calm the scene or if they determine it is beyond that then either call the police or have another person call the police.

Disturbance during worship Sunday morning during the sermon of the 9:40am service a woman stands up and begins yelling. She is siwng on the pulpit side towards the back. The female appears to be in her fimies and is not very big probably weighing 125 lbs. She is yelling that what the preacher is saying is all lies and that God has not helped her. She con?nues to yell even amer the pastor stops and invites the woman to speak amer the service is over. What do you do?

_Team members should call out on the radio that there is a disturbance in the sanctuary. The volunteer at the welcome center should call 911 but if there is no

� 71

response from anyone there, one team member should advise that they will make the call. The other team member(s) should use verbal judo and aCempt to remove the subject from the sanctuary. If the person is not coopera3ng then go ahead and relocate the individuals that are around this person so that when police arrive they can go directly to this individual.

Elevator not working Sunday morning between the 8:30am and 9:40am service the welcome center calls over the radio for assistance. The volunteer advises that the elevator is not working and con?nues to make a buzzing noise. Upon further inves?ga?on the safety team member(s) can hear people on the elevator asking for assistance. What do you do?

Team members should first aCempt to make contact with Jose or another member of building maintenance. If unable to reach then follow the direc3on in the safety manual on how to reset the elevator. If no team members feel comfortable performing the reset call the non-‐emergency phone number for the Germantown Police. Safety team members should aCempt to communicate with individuals inside the elevator and ensure them people are working on solving the problem and give them as much support as needed to keep a calm situa3on.

Odor of Gas Sunday morning before the 8:30am service someone goes to the welcome center and complains about the smell of what they believe to be gas coming from the fellowship hall. The volunteer from the welcome center calls over the radio that they need assistance due to a member complaining of a smell of gas coming from the fellowship hall. What do you do?

The first team member should take an assessment of what the smell is. If they believe the smell is gas then they should call over the radio they believe this to

� 72

posi3vely be a gas leak and get at least one more team member’s opinion. If two or more people confirm that it does appear there is a gas leak, immediately call 911 and then work on evacua3ng the church. Always consider where the largest group of people are and start there with evacua3ons. Once people are beginning to evacuate some team members should assist outside with direc3ng people where to go and the arrival of emergency personal and the rest of the team members should ensure the church is evacuated. Team member(s) should be prepared to also show the fire department where the main gas shut off valve is. This valve is located on the South side of the old chapel. The loca3on can also be referenced in the opera3on manual.

Fire Sunday morning just as the 11:00am Service is gewng started the fire alarm sounds. Both team members are already in the sanctuary. What do you do?

__Team member(s) should call out over the radio for anyone who has any informa3on to who or what has caused the alarm to go off. If no one has any informa3on proceed to the main fire alarm box on the third floor and see if there is any informa3on to help determine what set the alarm off. This loca3on and informa3on about the fire box is in the manual. If s3ll unable to determine the cause of the alarm, begin a sweep of the church to ensure all persons are out of the building and for any smoke or signs of danger. Other team members should be prepared to greet the fire department and provide any necessary assistance that they request.

Team members had been advised by the welcome center that a mother just came up amer the alarm sounded and advised that her child pulled the alarm in the fellowship hall. What do you do?

__Team member(s) should assist with the emergency evacua3on providing support and comfort to all persons. Have the arrival area for emergency personal clear and be prepared to meet them and give them the info you have about why the alarm went off. They will likely need to go to the main control panel on the third floor as well.

� 73

Offering incident 1 Sunday morning during the 8:30am service amer the comple?on of the offertory, the ushers exit the side door to take the money to the room with the safe when they see two individuals hanging out in the hall across from the room with the safe. These individuals are not familiar to the ushers and they concern them enough to turn around and walk back to the sanctuary. They immediately approach a safety team member and express their concerns. What do you do?

_The Team member that was no3fied should first make sure that the ushers and money are in a safe loca3on. Even having them take a seat in the back of the sanctuary is safer than just standing alone in the hall. Next the safety team member should radio to others that he or she will be checking out the suspicious individuals. If possible go ahead and have another person from the team go with you to speak with individuals. Approach the individuals and introduce yourselves and determine what the nature of their visit to GUMC would be. If they need assistance provide what you can. If the individuals do seem suspicious then try to gain as much info about them as possible so that we can document the incident. Once it’s been determined that it’s safe for the ushers to take the money to the money to the “safe room” then go back and escort them. Be sure that the team members coming in aber this service know about the situa3on.

Offering incident 2 Sunday morning during the 9:40am service amer the comple?on of the offertory, the ushers exit the side door to take the money to the room with the safe. As the ushers walk out the sanctuary door a man with a gun is standing there and tells the ushers to give him the money. The ushers give the money to the man and the man takes off. One of the ushers calls 911 while the other comes in and tells a safety team member. What do you do?

_In this situa3on we discussed that we hope that we can train the ushers if there is an emergency to go to the closest radio and call for help rather than causing a disrup3on to a worship service. However our responsibili3es won’t change. First thing that needs to be done is call 911. We need to immediately radio other team

� 74

members that an incident has just occurred so that everyone can be on the same page. If the individual had leb of foot then we need to be on a higher alert than if they leb in a car. Provide comfort and support to the individual and make sure there is no need for medical. Our top priority is to keep everyone calm and help to keep things moving smoothly when the police arrive. We will likely have several police cars on the scene that could cause a traffic jam and also having people of the church wan3ng to know what’s going on. We don’t need to lie about what has happened but also not give out to much info. The church will likely issue a statement to the congrega3on in an appropriate manor.

� 75

germantown united methodist church safety/security ... · germantown united methodist church...

Documents