congregations and safety
DESCRIPTION
Webinar on congregational safetyTRANSCRIPT
Webinar on Congregational Safety
will begin soon!
Congregations and Safety
MidAmerica WebinarRev. Dr. Lisa Presley
District Executive, Heartland
Brought to you by MidAmerica Region
Central MidWest, Heartland and Prairie Star Districts
Welcome!
Welcome Introductions Technical Issues
This Webinar is Being Recorded
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