PSWR Disciple,
May the peace of God be with you.
As we are nearly two months into the pandemic, there are some concerns we are all thinking about and I would like to address the ones we are aware of. This week, letters were released from the General Minister and President, Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens and the College of Regional Ministers (I am a member) regarding re-opening the physical doors of the Church. These letters are vital and important for us all.
During our Zoom call with over 30 PSWR Disciples Church Moderators (April 16th), we began to hear about the reports of church break-ins during this “safer-at-home” period. I have asked Joe Perring, our project manager and a member of First Christian Church, Orange (FCCO), and Bruce Indermill, our administrator, to compile some suggestions that will help make our facilities less likely to be a target. Our list below has items that will require some planning, budgeting, scheduling and safety considerations.
1. Lighting and Visibility
· Inspect exterior lighting regularly, especially during the lock-down.
· Immediately replace bulbs and fixtures that are not working.
· Plan to install lighting as needed to illuminate exterior access points.
· Consider installing motion sensors.
· Install timers for interior lighting and set to come on at random time intervals when the facility would normally be occupied.
· Eliminate taller shrubs that provide hiding spots and places to stash personal belongings.
2. Presence
· Encourage pastors and other staff to work in the office several days a week, when it is safe to do so. Park cars where they are visible, so that passersby know someone is on-site. Observe physical distancing protocols, don’t open doors for visitors.
· Consider enlisting members to visit the site throughout the week and check for open doors and other irregularities. Stay safe: retreat and call 911 if anything suspicious is encountered.
· Consider doing larger projects that might normally disrupt activities. Many contractors are still working.
· The property management function is considered essential. That includes supervision, oversight, maintenance including janitorial and landscape maintenance. Keep lawns maintained, sidewalks clean, etc.
3. Relationships
· Find and establish relationships ahead of time with local contractors who can respond quickly to secure facilities if needed because of break in or utility system failure: a glass replacement company, a plumber, an electrician.
· Contact local police departments and request periodic drive-by. (At FCCO), police use the parking lot for lunch breaks and as a place to park while writing reports.)
· Participate in or help to create a Neighborhood Watch program
· Introduce your congregation to neighbors, local schools, local businesses. Exchange emergency contact information.
· Identify an already engaged, well-meaning neighbor to keep an eye on the place.
· Reach out to organizations within the community to explore how the church can help support community efforts that would also provide some activity on the campus.
· FCCO is hosting a local Farmers Market drop off in the parking lot once a week. Their normal site doesn’t have enough space for physical distancing.
· FCCO also hosted a recent blood drive. They set up in our Fireside Room because the bloodmobile didn’t have proper separation. The contact person to set up the drive is Vanessa.VanMil@redcross.org.
4. Utilities
· While buildings are unused, set thermostats and water heaters appropriately to save energy.
· Inspect periodically for water leaks, especially running toilets and sprinkler valves, and other system failures.
5. Security System
· Inspect security systems and replace malfunctioning parts.
· Consider adding a security system that includes cameras and monitoring services.
· Enlist members to be part of a security team that can respond quickly to emergencies.
6. Expensive Items
· Plan to remove smaller items such as laptops, microphones, sound boards, etc. until after the lock down is over.
· Store items in closets or behind interior doors with dead bolts.
A truth: If your property looks occupied, well cared for and well-secured, the thief will move on to a more vulnerable target. Make it as difficult as possible for the thief to succeed.
Additional resources:
As we gather more information, and begin to consider preparations to reopen our facilities, these are helpful security practices to implement for the short-term and long-term. During this emergency, we have learned so much that can help us to prepare and meet the growing needs of our congregations, local communities and facilities.
Blessings,
Rev. Richie Sanchez
Region Minister and President, Pacific Southwest Region