A Note about Safety and Security at Grace Church
We all acknowledge that times have changed. Many of us remember when churches–including Grace–were unlocked day and night. Across America, that has changed. Churches are often a target for theft, vandalism and sadly, even terrorism. For several years, members of your church staff have attended Indiana County Emergency Management seminars on Safety and Security in Houses of Worship. More recently, our liability insurance carrier has required their clients to carry a rider on insurance policies that includes coverage for acts of violence and terrorism.
Grace has developed a Safety and Security team. This team has been diligent in attending training, seminars, and safety demonstrations to qualify them as Security Team Members. The team attended a Stop The Bleedtraining through Citizen’s Ambulance Service, and has replenished and updated all of our first-aid kits. The team will follow through with training for CPR and use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as well as how to handle emergencies and intruders.
For many years, the United Methodist Church has required clearances for anyone working with children, youth and vulnerable adults. Your Safety and Security Team members have such clearances, and in recent weeks, have been monitoring hallways in and around the classrooms designated for children. We take your children’s safety very seriously!
In an effort to keep maintain the highest level of safety for our children, and to be in compliance with recommendations of both Indiana County Emergency Management and our insurance carrier–Brotherhood Mutual, we will be locking the Church Street door and the door near the nursery five minutes after the beginning of services. If you should arrive late to church, please use one of these entrances that are monitored by our Security and Safety Team: parking lot entrance, handicap entrance or narthex entrance. Be assured that we are adhering to fire codes, and only doors with panic bars will be locked. All doors will be available to leave the church in the event of an emergency.
In no way do we wish to alarm anyone. We want to be totally transparent as things relate to your safety and security. These actions are being taken so that we are in compliance with Indiana County Emergency Management and our insurance carrier.
