Preparing for a Safe Easter Celebration

Easter is one of the busiest days of the year for many religious organizations and nonprofits. Your organization should create and implement safety and security procedures leading up to large events, including Easter weekend. Begin preparing for a safe celebration by reviewing your policies, plans and premises.

 

Volunteers & Safety

Your organization may have off duty officers, a security team of employees or volunteers, parking lot attendants or ushers overseeing safety and security concerns. These individuals should:

• Wear bright, reflective clothing to increase visibility if they will be outside.
• Look for suspicious activity and quickly communicate any concerns.
• Follow proper procedures.
• Schedule an adequate number of staff and volunteers for the busy weekend.
• Ensure all staff and volunteers have undergone a background check and sufficient training.

 

Emergencies

With a high volume of people attending services and events over Easter weekend, you’ll want to be certain your organization is ready to handle any emergencies that may occur. Take these steps to prepare:

• Review fire and disaster evacuation plans and emergency protocol with all employees and volunteers.
• Check all first aid kids to ensure they are properly stocked.
• Check any defibrillators on the premises.

 

Parking Lots & Walkways

In preparation for a busy weekend and high attendance, you will want to conduct a thorough inspection of your property. In particular, you should:

• Ensure surfaces such as parking lots and sidewalks are in good condition, free from cracks and pot holes.
• Repair any variation in walking surfaces of ¼ inch or more or mark these areas with adequate signage.
• Properly mark tire stops, speed bumps and curbing with a contrasting paint color.
• Ensure tire stops, speed bumps and curbing are in good condition.
• Adequately secure all handrails on ramps and stairways.
• Ensure lights are functioning along all walkways.
• Review the Exterior Slip & Fall Prevention and Interior Slip & Fall Prevention Guides.

 

Nurseries & Sunday School Rooms

When conducting an inspection of your premises, you’ll want to pay special attention to the areas where children will be present. Inspect children’s areas for dangers such as these:

• Unprotected electrical outlets
• Unsecured supply cabinets and drawers
• Unanchored furniture

 

Easter Egg Hunts

The Easter Egg Hunt is a classic Easter tradition for children. Safety is the first step to ensuring a fun event for all participants. Consider these primary factors when planning an egg hunt:

• Ensure hiding locations do not pose any danger to a child and are away from electrical outlets and breakable items.
• Utilize employees and volunteers to supervise the egg hunt and ensure children remain in safe areas during the activity.
• Consider food allergies and choking hazards when selecting the egg contents if your organization is using plastic eggs in your hunt.

 

Off-Site Activities

If any activities will be off-site during the weekend, you’ll want to pre-inspect the locations. Remember that proper planning allows your organization to be more prepared for potential emergencies and will keep your members, guests and employees safe.