Be Calm and Follow Me

I attended an emergency preparedness meeting this afternoon, at the church I attend.  The meeting was informative, and the small group in attendance walked the church to see where all of the exit and fire alarms are located throughout the church.  The church I attend is small, my LP and I joined about a year and a half ago and I have since joined the Usher Board, so I felt that it would behoove me to know all that I can about emergency preparedness.

Most of the conversation was around being prepared in case of a fire, but as I sat there I started to think about other types of emergency situations that have been in the news over the past few years.  I'm not sure why my mind went there, but I began to pray that we never are in a situation where we would have to use these tactics and I also wondered if I would be capable of behaving calm and directing parishioners to follow me.  I want to believe that I would be able to assist - without panic.

I also think I'll be more mindful of exits and persons who might need more assistance, even when I'm not on duty.

In due time the church will conduct a fire alarm and we all will have to demonstrate how to clear the building in an emergency.  Unfortunately, it will not take place during a regular Sunday service, but rather after a Sunday service, when most of the parishioners have left to go to brunch home.  I wish that wasn't the case because I believe everyone should know what to do and how to behave in case of an emergency.  But, like I said above, I hope we never need it.

Are you prepared?