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5. First Aid

Those working with children consistently should be trained in CPR and Basic First Aid Skills
(At least one person in the room should be currently CPR trained.)
A First Aid Kit should be accessible at all times and up-to-date. (This includes when traveling.)
Those working with children should be aware of the basic medical allergies, medicines, and
needs of the children.
There should be constant access to medical forms and information if needed.
Make sure there is a working telephone and a list of emergency numbers accessible.
Help keep adults up-to-date on depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental diagnoses.
Have a plan on how to work with those who have a disability. (Click here)

Helpful Hint:
Check out the

AMERICAN RED CROSS app on First Aid.

Building Blocks

6. Property

 
The Insurance Board has free property resources and information. 
 
The person/trustees who takes care of your property and those who manage it should be involved in safety conversations. Many times, these are the people who are connected with your congregation's insurance policies and standards for safety.
Ministers, adults, and children should never be one on one. Even in private conversations, there should be a way for someone to see the interactions between two people. It is suggested that all rooms have windows (usually in a door) to see in.
You want to make sure the areas where your children interact are safe for children. You want bathrooms, playgrounds, and basic rooms to be safe and meet the basic safety standards. You want places where people are never one on one, but always accessible and in groups.
When guardians drop off and pick up children, you want the property to have guidelines about this process and make sure children are watched the entire time until off the church's property.
Older churches should check that the building is free of lead paint, has appropriate drinking water, child friendly bathrooms, and that other basic safety needs are met.
Children should be aware of where to go on the property during an emergency response.
Make sure that your church is up-to-date on fire alarms and that adults are aware of the location of extinguishers (and how to use them).
Turn off lights, heaters, stoves, and have a set routine to lock up and make sure the church is safe upon leaving. Create a check list.

This page was last updated by OU 9/21

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