The Emergency Planning Committee has resumed work within the diocese. The group includes the Rev. Canon Anne Kyle (Calvary, Sedalia), the Rev. Barbara Wegener (Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City), the Rev. Adam James (St. Andrew’s, Kansas City), Phillip Lofflin (St. Mary’s, Kansas City), and Edith Van Hoesen (Christ Church, Springfield). One of the goals of this group is to provide tools for congregations to help in creating safety plans for their specific needs. Click here to head to the Emergency Planning Page on the diocesan website.
These tools will start with a Congregational Safety Checklist that can be easily applied to individual properties within the diocese. The Safety Checklist would be used during a visual walk-through inspection. This checklist will include all aspects of church property; from the parking lot and outdoor areas to each floor of the buildings on the site, with a template to help congregations manage Safety Planning. This checklist is planned to be sent in early this summer.
The Emergency Planning Committee is working with individuals within the diocese who can help and guide the local congregation to assist in your inspection. Once the checklist is completed, your vestry/bishop’s committee can create a plan of action to prioritize the most critical needs, as well as complete easier corrections for your church moving forward. It is strongly recommended that each facility is inspected by the local fire department on a regular basis. These steps can help identify potential hazards before the unexpected happens.
The Diocese of West Missouri offers grants meant for property improvement which may be helpful in funding necessary repairs. You can find more information on the grants page of the diocesan website.
As the work of the Emergency Planning Committee progresses, there will be plans created for disaster preparation and management, both for congregations and for the diocese. If you are interested in joining this ministry, or have a perspective to offer, please contact one of the members of the committee, or reach out to the diocesan office. Together, we can create a safer community in The Diocese of West Missouri.
This article was submitted by Edith Van Hoesen, member of the Emergency Planning Committee.
