Emergency Procedures

In the event of a building emergency or natural disaster, having clear emergency procedures in place adds a layer of security to an organization and peace of mind to its members.

• Outside evacuation (in case of fire, gas leak, etc.)

1. Children’s teachers escort all students to a parking lot (take roll with them to make sure all are present).
2. Hall monitors help get non-verbal children to a parking lot.
3. Ushers escort worshippers to a parking lot.
4. All teachers and workers/volunteers work to get people outside.
5. Designated person(s) must go through the building to confirm evacuation.

• Inside evacuation (in case of tornado, lockdown, etc.)

1. Children’s teachers escort all children to an inside, lower-level hallway (take roll with them to make sure all are present).
2. Hall monitors help get non-verbal children to an inside, lower-level hallway.
3. Ushers escort worshippers to large room such as a fellowship hall.
4. All teachers and workers/volunteers work to get people to an inside, lower-level hallway.
5. Designated person(s) must go through the building to confirm evacuation.

Lead On!

Steve

Security

Security should exist in several layers, and it involves personnel. Consistent people acting in consistent ways and using consistent procedures builds trust and security within an organization.

• Innermost layer: Teachers in each classroom should be there on a regular basis and should know the children personally. They should also know which parents are allowed to pick up which children. Teachers should also be trained in security procedures such as what to do if a child is lost or taken by an unauthorized person.
• Interior layer: Hall monitors (two per hall) should be present to forbid unauthorized persons from walking through hallways in the children’s/youth areas. Only parents, teachers, and children should be allowed in these areas. Hallways in these areas should not be used as cut-throughs to other areas. Hall monitors are also helpful in fetching supplies for teachers, summoning parents, etc. Their primary responsibility is to be visible as monitors. They should wear name tags to label them clearly.
• Perimeter layer: If a church can afford to hire a police officer to direct traffic at the main entrance, the officer can be a part of the church’s safety and security system. He/she can act if necessary when/if there is a breach of security requiring action (if a child were abducted, the hall monitor or teacher could potentially notify the officer before the offender leaves the church property). A hired officer can also summon backup quickly from other police officers if it becomes necessary. The church should have a check-in system at the main welcome desk/area in order to document which safety officer, doctor, nurse, etc. is “on duty” each Sunday. Mobile numbers need to be readily accessible for these people to ensure a quick response from them when needs arise.
• Comprehensive layer: Every church should implement a Safety Officer Team whose primary function is to protect people in worship services. The team is a great way to give volunteer opportunities, especially to members trained in safety and security (current or former police officers, security guards, etc.). At least one member of the team should be present at each worship service. Offenders who seek to harm individuals often desire notoriety, and a potential attack on platform personnel (particularly the Senior Pastor) is a way to gain that notoriety.

Lead On!

Steve

Safety

Safety measures are most effective when several layers exist (overlapping systems which support each other). Note: Using the term “safety” more often than the word “security” is wise, because “safety” has a positive connotation; “security” has the potential to imply a threat.

Suggested “layers” or systems for safety can include:

• Use biometrics (fingerprint) check-in systems at stations for all children ages birth through fifth grade (preschool and elementary areas). Alternatives like bar-codes or cards can be used, but those are easily forgotten or left at home (not as consistently secure). These systems using bio-metrics can use a parent’s fingerprint to generate a paper stub containing a lot of information pertinent to the child (information initially entered by the parent or a staff member). The church can configure the information according to its needs. Once check-in stations are active, the stub system should be mandatory and used every time preschoolers and children go to their classes for programming.
• Use a beeper/buzzer system for all pre-verbal children (usually birth through age two) to allow parents to be summoned quickly if necessary. Beepers are personal, private, and easy for a parent to hear/see in order to respond. These can also be helpful for older children with special needs who may have communication issues.

NOTE: Investigate smartphone options/apps which might address some or all of these needs. This technology is rapidly developing and should be regularly considered in light of the new options available.

• Install safety cameras to monitor all hallways and exit doors, angled to view people as they leave the church/area. Do not draw attention to them; people who potentially seek to do harm will notice their presence. Average churchgoers might be alarmed or perceive danger if you raise their awareness.

Lead On!

Steve

Safety and security policies are critical in the church. Establishing and following these procedures will:

• Take steps toward protecting people (especially children) from people intending to do harm to others,
• Take preventative steps toward protecting people from a natural disaster or event with the potential to cause harm, and
• Help protect the church from potential litigation stemming from incidents in which these procedures are necessary (without such a policy, the church is more vulnerable).
• Unify members and staff in an effort to promote, practice, and provide funding for procedures that ensure peace of mind for all members and guests.

Lead On!

Steve