Emergency Preparedness
At First Reformed Church of Cary, the safety and security of all persons who may be on site at any given time is of paramount importance. We know that we are all in God's hands, but we also know that He calls on us to help and protect each other. To that end, our Emergency Preparedness Committee (EPC) studies and determines ways we can prevent, prepare for and respond to any kind of emergency. This includes the handling of such immediate situations as
- Individual medical emergencies
- Weather related warnings or disasters
- Fires
- Any other threats or attacks that may suddenly be thrust upon us
Also included in the EPC's responsibilities are ongoing, very important things, such as
- Adequacy and certification of our Fire Extinguishers
- Proper placement and operation of Exit Signs and Emergency Lighting
- Placement and provisioning of First-Aid Kits and Fire Blankets
- Alarm System maintenance and monitoring
- Posting Floor Plans that show Evacuation Routes
- Teacher Training and Kit Guides for safely exiting classrooms and buildings, including avoidance of vehicles (our own and emergency vehicles)
- Establishment of an external re-assembly area for use by families and individual members during Sunday school, worship services and other events
- Interfacing with Cary Fire, EMS and Police departments
As necessary, the EPC creates or modifies plans to
- Immediately respond to needs of attendees
- Summon professional responders (Fire, EMS, Police, etc) as may be needed
Some EPC members are nurses who may assist in the initial handling of a medical emergency. Other professionals among the membership have expressed their willingness to assist as well. Collectively, these people form our Emergency Response Team (ERT).
The committee also
- Runs practice drills
- Keeps other groups that use our facilities informed of the plans and processes, so as to facilitate their own safe response as well
- Provides Medical Training Seminars and Pro-active Classes for the benefit of all members, visitors and immediate neighbors
Many of the concepts learned or developed by the committee can also be beneficial in our own homes, assisting in preparations there for handling fires, injuries, or medical situations.
- You can help too: If you have applicable special skills you would be willing to share, or you observe any potential problems with regard to safety or security at our facilities, or you have thoughts or suggestions for this committee, please contact the EPC through the church office.