Congregations and Safety

MidAmerica WebinarRev. Dr. Lisa Presley

District Executive, Heartland

Chalice Lighting

People come to us for a variety of reasons Yet underlying it all is an expectation that we

will provide communities where their safety is foremost in our mind

Safety first. Three areas of focus: People Places Things

Two modifiers: Natural and Human Created

Safety: Why?

For any event, ask what are the impacts on

people, places, and things, both initially and as a result

Examples: A storm: A tree falls on the building, creating a

hole in the roof, and people rushing to help fall because the floors get slippery, and the leaks destroy the computer system with all the congregation’s information inside

Medical issue for a member may traumatize members, and there may be no indication of family/friends who have power to act

Matrix View

Create policies and procedures that reflect all

three levels Share information with renters Resources:

UUA Website, District/Regional Staff Church Mutual Insurance Company Local Community Policing Officers Federal Government: www.ready.gov Local resources in disaster preparedness Your own insurance company

Best Thing: Be Prepared!

Train key leaders in first aid annually Obtain AED and train people annually Maintain a full first aid kit, with signs as to

location Include diabetes glucose tablets, etc.

Post congregation‘s address in prominent location Have phone available for 911 calls Compile list of medical personnel in congregation Brief leaders on location of first aid materials Maintain Emergency Contact Files

People: Medical

Child and vulnerable adults

Policies and procedures for Safe Congregations Sexual offenders

Don’t presume it doesn’t happen in your congregation

Policies and procedures: never alone, designated companions

Ask for disclosure—to minister or others Safeguard member/friend contact information

Travel guidelines: Guidelines for drivers for trips, chaperones, etc.

People: Safety Guidelines

Biggest fear, but relatively rare Awareness and preparedness first No one working with children until more than

6 months at congregation Safeguard member/friend contact information Create a response plan Train greeters, ushers, teachers, staff Point people on duty each week Be curious about who come in, but not

paranoid

People: Stranger Danger

Property accessible and safe Prepare for weather: snow, ice, flooding Playground equipment follows safety

guidelines Proper lighting for night-time security Buddy system when leaving building after

dark System for repairs and maintenance known by

all, including renters, to increase safety Maintain sufficient insurance coverage to

protect congregation

People: Hazard Prevention

Evacuation and Sheltering In plans Design evacuation route

Two gathering locations, in case first unsafe Designate people to help with RE and disabled Drills at least once a year Post maps in every room/location

Determine sheltering in locations Safest places in congregation Drills at least once a year Post maps in every room/location

People: Disaster Response

Building Safety:

Look for obvious nuisances – inside and outside Pay attention to potential copper theft Fire alarm and/or phone with address and

emergency numbers listed Sprinkler system in kitchen Fire extinguishers throughout and annual check If fireplaces, monitor use Playground safety and cushioning material Lighting Address well posted on outside of building

Places

Evacuation and Sheltering In

Create routes and maps, and post Evacuation and sheltering in drills at least

annually For sheltering in, obtain supplies and check

annually for expiry Partner with your local disaster recovery agency

Places

Data Safety

Offsite Backups “Cloud” storage

Equipment Maintain Inventory with full details, offsite

Archives Offsite Backups “Cloud” storage, not member attics/basements

Bottom Line: Redundancy!

Things

One thing to ask: what role do you wish to

play Are you a congregation that wants to help

members and neighbors: Do you wish to be a community shelter in

emergencies? Will you train members/neighbors on

preparedness? Can you support workshops on wills and estate

matters for families? Will you keep up your commitments to disaster

preparedness?

Role in Community

Be Prepared—it can happen here, and does Create and review your policies Back up everything Train your people: first aid, AED, dangers, drills Redundant systems, offsite, automatic – now

readily and easily available Take care of yourselves!

Final Words

UUA Website (www.uua.org) District/Regional Staff Church Mutual Insurance Company (http://

www.churchmutual.com/index.php/choice/risk/page/intro/id/21)

Local Community Policing Officers Federal Government: www.ready.gov Local resources in disaster preparedness

(Google: disaster preparedness churches) Your own insurance company

Resources