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In case of an incident that affects WCC, call our Emergency Preparedness Response line at 795-8848, ext. 377.
PROVIDING FOR YOUR SAFETY
WCC has taken steps to provide a safe worship environment for every member and every age on Sunday mornings and during the week. The addition of a uniformed officer on Sunday mornings and other steps that are underway are simply efforts to ensure that your church is a safe place for all who come to worship. While there have been no problems or threats, the church is being proactive to ensure your family’s safety.
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READINESS
Pre-episode action of what is needed to respond in anticipation of what might occur.
Fire Safety
Be informed! Be aware of fire safety procedures and evacuation routes in all areas of the building and Youth building. The Fire Evacuation Route will be used in all situations where the building would need to be evacuated. Please be knowledgeable of fire exits throughout the building, the Sanctuary, the gym and in all classrooms and hallways.
Tornado Safety
If a Tornado Warning is issued for our area, everyone will need to take precautions and evacuate to safe areas:
• Safe area for children—David & Goliath Rooms (off of the Fellowship Hall) and the Fellowship Hall Restrooms; and
• Safe area for youth—Gym Restroom/Shower areas.
Please tour the building, and look above the doors for the tornado decal which designate the safe areas. If weather conditions are favorable for tornadic activity, weather radios will be appropriately placed around the premises at strategic locations, including the Student Ministry Building. Please listen for instructions from the Hospitality Team members. Know the designated safe areas!
Other Readiness
We take prevention seriously at WCC and are looking into ways to recognize and prevent the threats to a safe worship environment. We are presently creating plans to address the potential of other events that may occur and finding ways to appropriately respond.
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RESPONSE
What to do if a situation occurs. Hospitality Teams have been involved in awareness response sessions and will guide you in the case of an incident.
• Listen for instructions;
• Remain calm; and
• Assist others if you are able.
Sunday school teachers (through grades 6) have participated in Talk/Walk-Through practices and are focused on the safety of our children. All Sunday School teachers have received the evacuation procedure information and have been asked to review this information with classes, including the Student Ministry Building.
If an incident occurs during the week, please be aware of others in the building and communicate necessary information and safety locations.
If emergency equipment is called to the site, they will have priority. Hospitality Team members will direct WCC traffic leaving the property until the Lee’s Summit Police arrive. Please be patient and follow directions.
Reuniting with Your Child in the Event of an Emergency
As difficult as it will be for you to restrain from rushing to your son or daughter, please allow the staff to evacuate all young people. Parents will need to follow safety procedures in their present location. Reunification procedures have been established that will unite you and your children in an orderly, safe manner when the incident allows. Your safety and that of your children are our primary goals. The primary Reunification Site is the playground area (east of the parking lot), if conditions allow. Listen to Hospitality Team members for information and instructions.
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RECOVERY
What happens after the incident has been brought under control? Recovery will be determined by the incident and the extent of damage to the property and/or personal situations. WCC is taking steps, in a number of ways, to address the communication issue prior to an event.
Safe Shelter
The Safe Shelter church program is offered to WCC through Eastern Jackson County Emergency Management with a goal of training churches to prepare their membership and facilities to respond to a crisis or disaster.
This plan offers combined resources and coordination of efforts from many agencies within the area. At the present time, we have a group of WCC volunteers who are striving to establish a system for members and families. Anyone who is interested in joining the Safe Shelter Group may contact Jonnie Wells.
Red Cross Shelter
WCC is a Red Cross Shelter. When a disaster forces people to evacuate their homes, they need a safe place for only a few hours, days, or even weeks. They will need food and water, a place to sleep and lots of help. WCC provides these things as an emergency shelter. We have a cadre of WCC members trained to handle a site and will be expanding the scope of members. If you are interested in training opportunities in becoming a Red Cross Shelter Volunteer, contact Jonnie Wells.
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