We are making changes starting on June 11 to increase our safety protocols at the Fellowship, focusing specifically on our Religious Education (RE) wing. Please note these adjustments and processes in case of an emergency. I'm sorry to bring up the possibility of an intruder to our beloved space, but I would much rather us be prepared for the worst, and have safety measures in place in the event of the unimaginable.
1. The exterior doors of the RE hallway (to the parking lot) will be exit-only. Handicap parking has been relocated to be closer to our handicap-accessible door at the front entrance. The parking spaces for those with limited mobility have not moved as that is the closest spot available. You will not be able to enter the RE Wing from the parking lot, nor will you be able to re-enter if you leave through those doors.
2. When children leave the sanctuary after the wonder box to come to the RE wing, they will be welcomed and then the double doors to the RE wing hallway will be closed and locked. They are emergency exit doors so people will be able to leave the RE wing, but no one can enter.
3. There is a wireless doorbell in the lobby next to the interior RE wing doors in case you need to reach someone in the RE wing. Please use the doorbell only if absolutely necessary. If you are a nursery parent and are "buzzed" by nursery staff, someone will meet you at the doors to let you in. Otherwise, those doors will only be unlocked at the end of the service, to allow families to come pick up their kids.
4. In the event of an emergency, please follow the instructions of that day's leaders. We have a different evacuation protocol and meetup location for fire as opposed to a violent intruder situation. Please do not try to go through the building to gather children from the RE wing. The doors will be locked. The safest thing to do will be to evacuate as quickly as possible and reunite outside.
5. In addition to the new locking RE wing doors, we have also installed two panic buttons to alert police in the event of a violent intruder. One is located in the RE wing and another in the sanctuary. Leaders are aware of their locations and how to use them. In the event of a fire or medical emergency, we will use our phones to call 911. Those panic buttons are only to be used in the event of an armed intruder.
We will not be practicing any intruder drills at the Fellowship, so there is no need to discuss this with kids. Thank you for your support in keeping our space a physically and emotionally safe space for everyone.
-Rev. Christina
