Message from the Junior Warden Priority “Fire Watch”

As I am sure you most of you are aware, we’ve had several false fire alarms at Immanuel over the last several weeks. I want to assure everyone that we are working to getting to the bottom of the cause and rectify the situation as soon as possible. This has been my top priority for a few weeks.

Vector Security provides our fire alarm service and the system is inspected by them on a regular basis. A service technician was at Immanuel last week doing work we hoped would fix issue. A smoke detector was replaced in the nursery which was the culprit of a recent alarm, and two smoke detectors were cleaned that were problematic. Two false alarms were triggered on Sunday morning (August 10th). As a result, the building was put on Fire Watch by the PWC Fire Department. I spoke with Vector and communicated to them my expectation of an expeditious solution.

A group email was sent to the congregation explaining how the building was being managed while in “Fire Watch” including how to proceed with events already on the calendar.  Until the fire department removed the “Fire Watch” the church continued with this plan.

Vector responded to my call and came to the building Monday afternoon.  All smoke alarms were cleaned. All wiring was inspected. The system was tested without fault. The PWC Fire Department was notified.  They arrived on Tuesday morning.  After inspecting the system and reviewing the Fire Watch log, they removed the Fire Watch sign. The church is now operating without restrictions.

Finally, I have been working with ushers and selected medical professionals in our congregation to put together a safety plan that includes evacuation procedures for fire events, sheltering procedures for weather events, and procedures for medical emergencies that may occur during building occupancy. The plan is very close to being completed which will result in ushers being trained to direct such events.

In the meantime, it is important that if you hear the fire alarm, please evacuate the building and move toward the area at the back of the parking lot by the dumpsters. That way, we will not only ensure everyone’s safety but also, we will not interfere with emergency personnel who may be dispatched to Immanuel.

If you have further questions about the fire alarm, please email me at JrWarden@iachurch.org.

Thanks for your attention and again, this is my top priority right now.

Sincerely,

Scott Ankers

Junior Warden