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WUMC Security & Emergency Response Plan Summary

• Why is a Security & Emergency Response Plan (SERP) needed for WUMC?

  • WUMC does not have one in place

  • WUMC has experienced both medical emergencies and security/safety incidents in the past

  • 1999-2022 (24 years) - 2,713 deadly force incidents - over 77% of deadly force attacks occur (or began) outside on ministry property 

  • 40% of Church violence incidents involve personal disputes/domestic conflicts that escalate on church property

  • 27% of church attacks are robbery related

  • Statistics looked at Vandalism (intentional destruction, defacement, burglary, ransacking), Arson, Gun Related incidents, Bomb Threats, Other church (or members) targeted incidents (assault, disruption, general threat)  For more detailed information, see (.....)

• The SERP:

  • Identifies a Safety Committee, with Chairperson under the Board of Trustees.  Includes the roles & responsibilities of members i.e. Completing a full Safety & Security Assessment - hazards, security, i.e doors, windows, cameras, alarms, etc

  • Establishes a Safety Response Team - (typically a ramped up # of Ushers/Greeters) guardians during church functions.  They will be alert for and respond to suspicious circumstances or persons, emergency situations, accidents and injuries, and any other kind of incidents where their assistance would be helpful.  “perimeter security” - best way to strengthen physical security 

  • Establishes a Medical Response Team - members are staff members or volunteers who have experience or training in addressing medical emergencies.  Provide medical assistance and support until professional help arrives

  • Establishes general emergency procedures (sheltering, evacuation, rally/assembly points, fire, weather, suspicious people, etc).  More detailed Specialized Training for specific target groups has been created. 

  • The Security & Emergency Response Plan will be conducted in phases.

Phase I

• Increase Church Ushers/Greeters - willing to join Safety Response Team 

  • Identify Response Team Leader from this group - used to establish daily duty areas for team member

Phase II

• Identify church members (preferably with medical/first aid background) to join Medical Response Team

  • Identify Response Team Leader from this group - used to ascertain daily available team

Phase III

• Safety Committee, Team Leaders, or Trained individuals conduct specialized training for identified Response Teams (slide presentations have already been created - see below list of available Google Slides training) 

Security & Emergency Response Training

Suspicious Package

Active Shooter

Assault

Suspicious Person(s)

Evacuation

Fire

Fire Extinguisher

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Stroke

Standard First Aid

Severe Weather

• Safety Committee conducts Hazard/Security Assessment around Church property as well as review Pre-School protocols in place for potential amendment

Phase IV

• Use Hazard/Security Assessment to document budgeted items needed to be prioritized and comply with Assessment.  This document to be submitted to the Board of Trustees