Important information for congregants to know about the Evacuation Drill happening November 2 at the end of the 10 AM Worship Service
As soon as the fire alarm is triggered, five pre-designated volunteers move into action to assist in the rapid evacuation of everyone in all parts of the building. One at Primary Evacuation Meeting Area, one at Backup Evacuation Meeting Area, one Evacuation Manager at the Firwood glass double doors, one at the entry driveway, and one to manage the babies and infants in Room 4.
The Primary Evacuation Meeting Area (PEMA) is at the upper end of the parking lot; signs identify the area. To reach this meeting area, from the sanctuary, exit through the wooden double doors into the Foyer and then out the glass Firwood double doors; or walk out the single sanctuary side door onto the sidewalk and then on to the parking lot.
There is a designated Backup Evacuation Meeting Area (BEMA) located on the back deck patio by the Ampinefu Oak tree. It is preferable for EVERYONE to meet at PRIMARY meeting area, but mobility issues or other difficulties may make that impossible. To reach the Backup meeting area, exit from the Social Hall onto the deck, then down the ramp or the steps and meet on the oak tree patio. A volunteer wearing a high-visibility emergency vest will be waiting there and will have a radio to communicate with the volunteer at the Primary Evacuation Meeting Area.
For people sitting in the Sanctuary Gallery: it is best to exit through the Sanctuary’s main double doors, or to walk through the Social Hall into the foyer and out to PEMA. Though there is a Back Exit Door in the Gallery, this is not a preferred exit because there is a possibly-slippery ramp, gravel and grass walkway leading to the BEMA.
People in the Social Hall, Kitchen, Office, and Library should all exit through the foyer to the PEMA. If the path is obstructed, or an individual is unable to travel the distance to the PEMA, then they should evacuate to the BEMA.
While the Sanctuary, Social hall, and attached spaces are being evacuated, a simultaneous evacuation will happen in the Classroom Wing. All children will evacuate out of Rooms 6A and 6B onto the deck, then down the ramp and through the gate to the PEMA, where they will be reunited with their parents. NO ONE IS TO ENTER THE CLASSROOM WING DURING THE EVACUATION, THE METAL FIRE DOORS ARE TO REMAIN CLOSED TO HELP SUPPRESS ANY FIRE AND SMOKE.
In a true evacuation emergency people are advised to not waste time retrieving possessions like jackets. For this drill, we advise people to keep their jackets with them during the worship service if they wish to have some protection for the 15-20 minutes we will be outside. People trying to access the closet would cause considerable congestion during a real evacuation.
November 2nd is also Time-Change Sunday: remember to move your clocks back one hour at midnight!
Wolfgang D., Emergency Response Coordinator