The Emergency Response Team

When it comes to security, you will notice that the camp has installed several security cameras around the grounds. These cameras not

only provide a visual deterrent for anyone looking to do harm, but can also assist in the event of cabin break-ins during the off season, in situations such as a lost child on the ground during camp session, and much more. Some other changes include additional security personnel, gates at the front entrances, and building name signs that can be easily identified by emergency services. I want to point out that the gates I mentioned are purposely two different colors, red and green. This was done so that in the event you (or the ERT) needs to call 911, you can better direct them as to which gate to enter. Ideally someone can meet them at the specified gate and lead them to wherever the emergency is.

Also, in June members of the ERT met with the Knox County Sheriff's Department and performed walkthroughs of the grounds to help familiarize the deputies with the camp and our emergency response plan. The officers that attended were extremely encouraging and supportive of our efforts and provided us with additional resources to help our team make decisions in the future. The officers also stated that they would perform random safety drive-throughs of the grounds during camp to help further encourage a safe environment. That being said, if you see a deputy walking the grounds, or driving through in their cruiser please do not be alarmed, it does not mean that there is an incident going on. They are simply here for our protection; in fact if you see one please don't be afraid to stop and talk with them.

Several great changes were made to help prevent and/or manage a medical emergency at camp. First, there is an Automated External Defibrillator a.k.a AED in the cafeteria. This device was placed immediately to your right as you walk in the cafeteria. This life saving device can be used in the event of cardiac arrest anywhere on the grounds and is to be used in conjunction with early activation of 911 and CPR. Members of the ERT were also able to secure 4 CitizenAid bags. These bags were designed to help provide quick first aid to individuals in the event of a mass casualty incident such as in the event of, God forbid, an active shooter. These bags contain 5 individual first aid kits that include things like tourniquets, gauze dressing, medical gloves, and a few other items. These bags will be placed throughout camp, 1 in the cafeteria with the AED, 2 in the main tabernacle back by the sound booth, and 1 in the youth tab up front to the right of the stage. Please remember that these packs and the AED are here for YOU to use in the event of an emergency, not just the ERT.

The last topic that the team focused on was fire prevention. As you can see by the age of these buildings, and their close proximity to one another, Camp Sychar is at a high risk of experiencing a fire. This is not meant to alarm anyone, but to make people aware of the importance of each cabin having at least 1 smoke detector as well as avoiding using any extension cords, only certified power strips or surge protectors. Also, if you already have smoke detectors, please change the batteries at the beginning of every camp and make sure they are in good working order. If there are any individuals who need a smoke detector please see me (Brennan Woods) at any time throughout camp.

Fire prevention members of the ERT also met with each crew of the MVFD and performed walkthroughs of each building and the grounds. MVFD not only provides our fire protection, but also our EMS coverage. These walkthroughs helped the crews become more familiar with the layout of our buildings and the grounds. This was done so in the event of a fire it is safer for us and them that they have some familiarity with the building they are entering. They were also provided maps of the grounds and buildings as well as our Emergency Response Plan. Just like the sheriff's department they were also encouraged to come back during camp meeting, so again, if you see them on the grounds don’t be alarmed, they may just be here to socialize. Prior to camp all smoke detectors in camp-run buildings were inspected and batteries replaced. There were also additional smoke detectors installed in various buildings throughout camp as well as all fire extinguishers professionally inspected and additional ones placed.

I would like to end this, "Safety Talk" with a few points:

1. if you see something, say something. If you see something suspicious, or not right, please notify one of the ERT members. ERT members will be wearing yellow lanyards that will say Emergency Response Team.

2. For those of you staying in buildings like the hotels or Weatherwax, take a few minutes and learn the layout of the buildings, and where your nearest exits and fire extinguishers are. If you have children make sure they are with you when you walk through your building, and as a family have an exit plan in the event of a fire.

3. In the event that there is an emergency where you have to call 911, if at all possible please also notify an ERT member so that we can assist in the situation. Mount Vernon Fire Department and the Sheriff's office are aware of our emergency response plans, but those only work if we as the ERT are involved or notified of the incident.