Emergency Plan (full template)

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[ Church name ] church

Emergency plan

Emergency Contact: 111 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)

Church details

Field Information
Church Name:
Address:
Phone:
Emergency Coordinator:
Deputy Emergency Coordinator:

Key personnel

Role Name Phone Mobile
Senior Pastor
Church Manager
Health & Safety Champion
Chief Fire Warden
First Aid Officer
Property Manager

Emergency procedures

1. Fire emergency

If you discover a fire:

  1. RAISE THE ALARM - Activate the nearest fire alarm call point
  2. CALL 111 - Ask for Fire Service, give church name and address
  3. EVACUATE - Leave immediately by the nearest safe exit
  4. ASSEMBLE - Go to the designated assembly area 5. REPORT - Report to the Fire Warden for roll call

Fire Wardens will: - Ensure evacuation of their designated area - Check all rooms, including toilets and storage areas - Close doors behind them

  • Report to Chief Fire Warden at assembly area - Assist with roll call and report any missing persons

Assembly Areas: - Primary: Front car park (away from building) - Secondary: [Specify alternative location]

DO NOT: - Use lifts during evacuation - Re-enter the building until Fire Service gives all-clear - Fight the fire unless trained and safe to do so

2. Earthquake emergency

During the earthquake:

  1. DROP - Drop to hands and knees
  2. COVER - Take cover under a desk or table, protect head and neck.
  3. HOLD - Hold onto your shelter and be prepared to move with it

If outdoors: Move away from buildings, trees, and power lines

After the earthquake stops:

  1. CHECK - Check for injuries and hazards
  2. EVACUATE - If the building is damaged, evacuate to the assembly area
  3. ASSIST - Help injured persons if safe to do so
  4. COMMUNICATE - Report status to Emergency Coordinator

DO NOT: - Use lifts after an earthquake - Enter damaged buildings - Light matches or use electrical switches if a gas leak is suspected

3. Medical emergency

For serious injury or illness:

  1. ASSESS - Check if the person is conscious and breathing
  2. CALL 111 - Ask for an ambulance, give the location and nature of the emergency
  3. FIRST AID - Provide first aid if trained to do so
  4. COMFORT - Stay with the person, keep them warm and calm
  5. GUIDE - Direct ambulance to the scene

First Aid Officers: - [Name] - [Phone] - [Name] - [Phone]

First Aid Kit Locations: - Main office - Kitchen - Children’s area - [Other locations]

AED Location: [Specify location if available]

4. Severe weather

For severe weather warnings:

  1. MONITOR - Listen to weather updates
  2. SECURE - Secure outdoor furniture and equipment
  3. SHELTER - Move people away from windows and glass doors
  4. COMMUNICATE - Keep the congregation informed of conditions
  5. POSTPONE - Consider postponing outdoor activities

Safe areas during severe weather: - [Specify internal areas away from windows]

5. Security threat/lockdown

If a threatened person is on the premises:

  1. ALERT - Notify others quietly if safe to do so
  2. AVOID - Get away from the threat if possible
  3. DENY - If escape is not possible, lock and barricade doors
  4. DEFEND - As a last resort, be prepared to defend yourself
  5. CALL 111 - When safe to do so

Lockdown procedures: - Lock all external doors - Close blinds/curtains - Turn off lights - Move away from windows and doors - Keep quiet and stay low - Wait for police all-clear

6. Bomb threat

If a bomb threat is received:

  1. STAY CALM - Try to keep the caller talking
  2. RECORD - Note exact wording of threat
  3. QUESTIONS - Ask: When? Where? What type? Why?
  4. OBSERVE - Note the caller’s voice characteristics
  5. REPORT - Call 111 immediately after the call ends

Evacuation decision: Will be made by the Senior Pastor or the Emergency Coordinator in consultation with the Police

Communication

Internal Communication: -

Church office phone: [Number] –

PA system available:

Two-way radios available:

External Communication: -

Media contact: [Designated spokesperson] –

Congregation notification: [Method - email, text, website]

Emergency Contacts: -

WorkSafe NZ: 0800 030 040 –

Poison Centre: 0800 764 766 –

Local Council: [Number] –

Insurance Company: [Number and Policy Number]

Building information

Building Features: -

Floors: [Number] –

Maximum occupancy: [Number] –

Disabled access:

Lift available:

Utilities: -

Electricity main switch: [Location] –

Gas main valve: [Location] –

Water main valve: [Location]

Fire Safety Equipment: -

Fire alarm panel: [Location] –

Fire extinguishers: [Locations] –

Fire hose reels: [Locations] –

Emergency lighting:

Special considerations

  • Children and Youth: - Supervision ratios maintained during emergencies - Special evacuation procedures for nursery/crèche - Parent notification procedures
  • Elderly and Disabled Persons: - Assistance required for evacuation - Designated helpers assigned - Alternative evacuation routes identified
  • Large Events: - Additional wardens appointed - Crowd control procedures - External emergency services notified if required

Training and drills

  • Fire Drills: - Conducted every 6 months minimum - All staff and regular volunteers participate - Results recorded and reviewed
  • Training Requirements: - Fire Warden training (every 2 years) - First Aid training (every 2 years) - Emergency procedures briefing (annual)

Plan review

Review Schedule: Annual or after any emergency event

Last Review Date:

Next Review Date:

Reviewed By:

Approval

Plan Approved By:

Signature: Date:

Name:

Position: Senior Pastor / Emergency Coordinator

Distribution: - All staff and key volunteers - Local Fire Station - Church insurance company - Posted in prominent locations throughout the church

Finished?

All policies