St. Alban’s

Episcopal Church

Wickenburg, Arizona


 

 

 

 







                                                             Preparedness Plan

                                                             SEPTEMBER 2019


 

1.1 Purpose and Situation Overview

Purpose:

The purpose of the St. Alban’s Preparedness Plan is to provide general guidelines and principles for preventing, preparing for, mitigation of, responding to, and recovering from an incident or emergency at St. Alban’s Church.  It is designed to address a range of threats or hazards that could affect the people or property of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church.

Situation:

St. Alban’s Church is located in a residential area of Wickenburg, Arizona.  Planning scenarios have been identified for situations that could occur at St. Alban’s Church.  The emergency situations most likely to occur can be consolidated into four major areas:

Medical emergencies.
Fire and hazardous materials.
Security incidents.
Weather hazards.

Medical emergencies are the most probable and include heart attacks, strokes, fainting, seizures, concussions, broken bones, burns, bites, and abnormal pain.

Fire emergencies include fires or explosions within the building or on the grounds of the church.

Security incidences include a suspicious or violent intruder within the church or grounds, a bomb threat, and any adult misconduct or abuse of children or other adults.

Weather hazards include the possibility of high winds, hail, and severe thunderstorms.

 
The congregation is made up of approximately 150 members.  On any given Sunday, there are approximately 65 people in attendance.

In addition to the Sunday services, members of the church as well as non-member organizations use St. Alban’s Church for various meetings and events on a regular basis.  Some of these events can bring as many as 40 people into the church.

Assumptions:
For most emergencies, the Wickenburg Police Department and Fire Department will be available to respond within a short time frame.
There will be members of the congregation who are trained and will be willing to help with certain situations that arise.

1.2 Concept of Operations

If an emergency occurs on Church grounds, immediate response will be required.  Having personnel who are familiar with these plans and procedures will help to make the response more successful.  This plan will be used to:

Familiarize church and other users with emergencies procedures.

Identify necessary training.

Coordinate with others to ensure an appropriate response.

The intended audience for this plan includes all members of the congregation of St. Alban’s; those who have volunteered to assist during an incident or emergency; outside users of the building; and the first responders who may have a role in a response.

The primary purpose of actions taken before an incident is to prevent, protect from, and mitigate the impact on life and property.  The primary purpose of actions taken during an incident is to respond effectively to the incident and minimize its impact on life and property.  The primary purpose of actions taken after an incident is to recover as rapidly as possible from its impact on life and property.

 
1.3 Training and Exercises
Training:

Training is essential to ensure that individuals knows what to do when an emergency occurs at St. Alban’s, to include being familiar with the protective actions necessary for life safety (e.g., evacuation and CPR).  The level of training needed will depend on whether the person is expected to have a role in the response.

St. Alban’s will establish a cadre of trained personnel who will receive training on general emergency procedures.

A Preparedness Training Committee will be created and will be responsible for:

Conducting a training needs assessment.

Making recommendations for specific trainings and identifying who should receive the training.

Locating instructors.

Scheduling classes and ensuring the congregation is made aware of them.

Identify multiple evacuation routes.


Communicate the need to evacuate.

Call 9-1-1 immediately when an evacuation occurs.

Exit the building and go to the predetermined assembly area.

Stay with children at all times.

Account for all occupants.

Check for injuries.

Report any missing people to arriving first responders.

Two types of training will be offered to church members and other users. 

Awareness Training will include an overview of the preparedness plan and information regarding emergency procedures such as the location of emergency supplies and evacuation procedures.

Specific Response Related Training will be made available to those interested in having an active role in the response to an emergency such as CPR and fire suppression training.

Training will be accomplished through tabletop exercises and drills.

 
1.4 Evacuation

When conditions inside the church make it unsafe to remain, it may become necessary to move people to a safe location outside the building.  Evacuation of the building may be needed in situations including fire, gas leak or a structural collapse.

The assembly area is located at the south end of the parking lot.Appendix A

Identify multiple evacuation routes.
Communicate the need to evacuate.
Call 9-1-1 immediately when an evacuation occurs.
Exit the building and go the south end of the parking lot, please do not leave the area.
Stay with children at all times
Account for all occupants.
Report any missing people to arriving first responders.


1.5 Medical Emergencies


Medical emergencies can occur at any time.  They can include events such as scrapes, cuts, bruises, fainting, dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, orthopedic injuries and life threatening events such as strokes, heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest.

Acts of terrorism resulting in medical emergencies are beyond the scope of the church’s emergency preparedness plan.  These events must be handled by appropriate first responder agencies:  police; fire, and emergency medical services (EMS). There may be associated secondary events for which the lay person is not trained to recognize and in order to prevent further injuries the scene must first be secured by personnel these agencies.  The location of a terrorist event becomes a crime scene and evidence must be maintained and collected by the appropriate authorities.

Treatment for medical emergencies in the church setting is limited to basic first aid and support, unless trained members of the congregation are present.  Basic treatment will be offered until such time as fire and/or EMS personnel are able to respond. Care and treatment should be rendered by those individuals who have taken the church’s training class for first aid and CPR.  Should an individual sustain a cardiac arrest, basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be performed by individuals trained to do so; CPR must be continued until the rescuer(s) is (are) no longer physically able to perform this function or fire/EMS personnel arrive and assume care.

If an individual sustains a cardiac arrest, a trained member of the congregation will obtain the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) located in the sacristy while another individual calls

9-1-1. 


Once fire/EMS personnel arrive, care of the victim will be relinquished to those first responders.

A First Aid bag will be maintained by the parish nurse and will be located under the table at the back of the church, right hand side facing the door.  Supplies included in the First aid bag include:
Manual blood pressure cuff

Pulse oximeter

Emesis basins/bags

Band aids

Blood glucose meter with strips and lancets

Alcohol wipes

Hand sanitizer

Any medical emergency should be referred to the parish nurse when she/he is available. If the parish nurse is not available, a report shall be completed (Appendix B) by the member of the congregation involved in rendering first aid.  This is required for regulatory reporting.



1.6 Fire and Hazardous Materials:

Fire.  There are  smoke detectors in all but two rooms (basement of the Parish Hall).  There are fire extinguishers in the Church, Sacristy, Chapel, Parish Hall, Kitchen and the downstairs patio entrance.

In case of fire, call 911 and evacuate the building.  If trained, extinguish a very small contained fire with a fire extinguisher.  Do this only if it can be done safely.  If there is any doubt, evacuate.

Hazardous Materials.  The paints the church currently have are latex/water base.  They do not need special containment.  If oil based paints are used and retained, they are to be placed in a secured outside location.

 
1.7 Security Incidents

Any threatening behavior should be taken seriously and reported. Don’t wait for behavior to advance beyond the threatening phase to report it. It’s better to err on the side of caution and report anything perceived to be threatening as soon as possible.

Threatening behavior can be verbal and non-verbal. It can also be direct and indirect. Strange behavior is just that; strange. We all know it when we see it. Trust your instincts and report anything that just doesn’t feel right

Try to remain non-confrontational when dealing with an angry or upset individual. Speak in low tones. While speaking, look for ways out of the situation. Delay things until help arrives. Report the incident as soon as possible.

Beyond threats, one might be faced with actual physical violence. In these troubled times, actual, unprovoked attacks occur with disturbing frequency. It is important to have a plan. Know where the exits are and which would be the preferred route. Have an alternate plan in case the preferred route is unavailable.

Have a Plan:

Run should be the first option.
Know the exits:
Leave personal belongings behind (except phones).
Run or drop to the floor and crawl.
Call emergency personnel as soon as possible.
Help others when you are safe.
Hide if flight isn’t possible:
Fight as a last resort.
Anything can be an effective weapon for self-defense:
Be a good witness and complete the checklist in Appendix C

Once law enforcement or other emergency personnel arrive, it is important to remain calm. Engage in no rapid movements and keep your hands visible at all times. Follow commands. Law enforcement personnel will initially suspect everyone until clarity and calmness can be brought into the situation.

1.8 Threats


Threat Call:

In the event a threat call is received (i.e. bomb threat, armed assault, custody issues), remain calm; if possible, have a pre-arranged signal to alert other personnel to listen to the caller also.See the checklist Appendix C

Suspicious mail or package:


Do not shake, open or empty package; place on table or floor.
Wash hands with antibacterial product.
Call Authorities’ Emergency 9-1-1.
Follow the directions of the authorities.
Detecting suspicious packages:

Misspelled words or poorly typed/written addresses, names or labels.Check to see if the company exists and if they sent a package or letter
Packages wrapped in string or excessive tape.
Strange odor.
No postage, non-canceled postage, or excessive postage.
Handwritten notes, such as, “To Be Opened in the Privacy of,” “Confidential”, “Your Lucky Day is Here”, “Prize Enclosed”.
Restrictive markings such as confidential, personal, etc.
Improper spelling of common names, places, or titles.
Generic or incorrect titles.Titles with no name attached.
Leaks, oily stains, protruding wires, discoloration, or crystallization on wrapper.Powdery substance on or in the package/envelope.
Hand delivered or “dropped off for a friend” packages or letters.
No return address or nonsensical return address.
Mailed from a foreign country.
Any letters or packages arriving before or after a phone call from an unknown person asking if the item was received.

 
1.9 Weather Hazards


In general, Arizona has two types of storms.  In winter the storms cover larger areas and are long lasting and generally not very violent.  Summer storms on the other hand are more local and can be violent and damaging.

Winter Storms:

The storms that occur during the winter months are rarely intense, but can at times bring a lot of moisture.  These storms can cover a wide geographical area, last over a longer period of time, and as a result can cause flooding.  These winter rains often cause the Hassayampa River to have large flows over a longer period of time.  These river “floods” pose no threat to St. Alban’s Church.  The winter rains can cause minor flooding in the area of Wickenburg, but not at the Church location.  Once in a great while, Wickenburg can have snows of up to 5 to 6 inches, however it does not last long.

Summer Storms:

Our summer storms are usually local and are not long lasting.  They can be violent, intense and damaging to structures.  Summer storms are accompanied with thunder, lightning and strong winds, and on occasion micro bursts.  Micro bursts can and often cause structural damage to buildings resulting in injuries to people.  These summer storms almost always cause power failure, sometimes for just a short time and at other times for many hours.

An evacuation plan should also be included in the event of a strong micro burst.  The safest place would be the downstairs under the Parish Hall.

On rare occasions the Wickenburg area receives the leftovers of hurricanes originating in the Pacific Ocean and moving north along the Baja California coast.  There is usually very little wind but there can be a lot of rain, sometimes exceeding 6 to 8 inches.  These storms usually do not pose a threat to St. Alban’s Church buildings.  The summer storms emergency plans should be sufficient if a threat occurs.


 

1.4 Evacuation                                                                     Appendix A























                                                                                               





































1.10 Injury/Incident Report                                                Appendix B

 

The following form is a sample that may be helpful should an injury occur during an evacuation or other emergency procedure.  It is important to maintain accurate records of any injuries incurred during an emergency in case of insurance or liability questions.


Date: _____________________________

Injured Person: _____________________________________________________

Completed by: _____________________________________________________

Where were you when the injury occurred? __________________________________________

 _________________________________________________________________________

Description of injury and how it occurred: (Use back if more space is needed)

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Witnesses: ____________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Action Taken/Medical Treatment Provided: __________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

 


 

Threat Checklist                                                                               Appendix C

Complete this list if you receive a threat.

Exact time of call: ___________        Date: ________________


Exact words of caller: ___________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

 __________________________________________________________________________

Callers voice: (circle)

Male                Female             Adult               Youth
Estimate Age: _________
Black               White              Hispanic          Asian               Other: ________________
Calm                Disguised        Nasal               Rapid              Accent
Nervous           Angry              Sincere                        Slurred            Loud
Excited            Giggling          Stressed           Crying

If voice is familiar, whose did it sound like? _____________________________________
                
Background Noise: (circle)

Music              Children          Typing             Airplanes         Machinery       Cars/Trucks

Other: ________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Do not hang up!   Obtain as much information as possible:

When is the bomb going to explode? ____________________________________

Where is the bomb? _________________________________________________

What does it look like? ______________________________________________

What kind of bomb is it? _____________________________________________

Method of activation: mechanical, clock, movement/chemical action? _________


            __________________________________________________________________


Method of deactivation? _____________________________________________

Did you place the bomb? _____________________________________________

Why? ____________________________________________________________

Where are you calling from? __________________________________________

What is your address? _______________________________________________

What is your name? _________________________________________________

Call received by: ____________________________  Dept: _______________ Ext: ____

Note: In the event you receive a bomb threat: 

Call 911 immediately.Provide the following information
Identify yourself
State: “I have received a bomb threat.”
Give your office location and extension.

REMAIN CALM!

A.  Notification in event of an emergency.

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Dept.:                                          Phone #: 602-876-1011

Wickenburg Police Dept.:                                                      Phone #: 928-684-5411

Wickenburg Fire Dept.:                                                          Phone #: 928-684-7702

Lifeline/Ambulance:                                                               Phone #: 800-418-5523

Episcopal Priest of Wickenburg:                                            Phone #: 928-684-2133

The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona:                                        Phone #: 602-254-0976

Copies of this plan (including floor plans, evacuation routes, sample site map) were provided to:

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Dept.:                                          Date: _____________

Wickenburg Police Dept.                                                       Date: _____________
                                                                    
Wickenburg Fire Dept.:                                                          Date: _____________

Lifeline/Ambulance:                                                               Date: _____________
                                                                 
Episcopal Priest of Wickenburg                                             Date: _____________                                                                     

The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona:                                        Date:______________

 

 

 

             

 

 

St. Alban's Episcopal Church