New Chatham Safety Plan

by Steve, Elder

Earlier this year, we experienced a severe weather event during which an evening service was moved from the Worship Center to rooms 35 and 36 and the Learning Center hallways. This event highlighted the need for a plan to be in place for handling unusual situations.

We have been developing a Safety Plan for Chatham, which includes information and instructions for severe weather, emergencies (both medical and natural disaster), fire and threats. The implementation of this plan will take place over the next several months as we develop procedures and, in some cases, purchase equipment and supplies.

Just so you will know what is being addressed, here is a summary of the areas of concern and some of the procedures addressing them:

Medical:

• Basic First Aid - provide kits

• Trained Assistance - list of volunteers with medical training/experience

• Expert Assistance - list of volunteers who are RN/doctor

Threat:

• Prevention - control of access to facilities

• Investigation - list of volunteers, police

• Action - list of designated volunteers trained in detection and courses of action/911

Fire:

• Prevention - general education and training for all who use the facilities

• Action - list of volunteers/911

• Evacuation - implement an evacuation plan for the facilities. Includes training of volunteers and training for the congregation.

Disaster:

• Preparation - List of supplies, continuing aintenance of supplies

• Precaution - list of volunteers, some equipment (such as weather alert radios)

• Action - list of designated volunteers

We are also investigating communication methods and equipment to facilitate rapid responses to any emergency situation. An example of this would be someone gets suddenly ill in a Sunday school class. The teacher would be able to call a designated contact person, who would then respond (by calling local medical volunteers and 911 if necessary). This allows the teacher to maintain control of the class and obtain assistance without having to leave the room.

You will hear more about this as procedures are put into place. We plan to have some safety cards made listing basic procedures and contacts which will be available to everyone. We will even have some fire drill exercises so that everyone will know where exits are located, where assembly areas are located and how the children’s areas will be handled.

Of course, we ask for prayer for wisdom in developing and implementing these plans.