JECF “A Walk for M.E.” Contingency Plan
COVID-19
The Covid-19 pandemic poses significant challenges for the John Evan Foundation for “A Walk for M.E” walk. We are committed to hosting our walk and will make every effort to safely make this an annual fundraising event. Our first objective is to ensure the health and safety of all the participants and attendees.
State and regional guidelines will dictate how we conduct this event. We understand that the course of this pandemic, and thus the guidelines put in place to keep us safe, might not progress linearly. While the nature of the walk will remain the same, we must operate this event in a manner that ensures the safety of all participants, volunteers, staff and the communities in which our events are held until the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. Below you will find detailed information about different contingency plans – please note all of these outlines require that participants abide by the MI SAFE START (https://www.michigan.gov/documents/whitmer/MI_SAFE_START_PLAN_689875_7.pdf) – failing to follow these guidelines may warrant removal from the event and jeopardizes our community and the entire fundraising event.
Individual will start the event by spreading to minimize the number of participants at the start at any point in time. Participants must follow the proper health guidelines to make sure that they are not experiencing the Corona Virus. Upon arrival to the park, all participants must pass a verbal health screen prior to participation. Please note spectators will be limited (or restricted to their vehicles). We respectively ask that all persons at the park always wear a face covering that covers their mouth and nose. Participants must cover their nose and mouth in the start and finish area and if they are within 6 ft of another individual on course.
WEATHER
A Walk for M.E will take place rain or shine unless we determine that conditions are dangerous. This will be based on a prudent decision made by JECF. Every effort will be made to conduct the walk. In the event of inclement weather, or unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to alter, cancel or eliminate any/all portions of the walk. The following procedure will be followed:
· JECF President will make the final decision to delay, adjust or cancel the race.
· The decision will be posted on the website and communicated at the race venue via the PA announcing system.
In the case of an emergency please dial 911. Safety personnel will be on site to attend to any emergencies before, during and after the walk. Volunteers will be instructed to contact 911 in the case of an emergency.
Inclement Weather Plan
In the case of rain and thunderstorms on event day we will enact the following safety measures, which will help keep each participate safe. Our goal is to do everything in our power to host a complete walk. We will delay or shorten the walk only if necessary. Cancellation is our very last resort and will only be considered after all the following measures have been taken on race day.
· In the case of lightning we will delay the walk to starts to at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike within the area. We will not walk if lightning is present, but will continue the walk when the lightning ceases and has moved from the area.
· If lightning is present during the walk, we will stop the walk and pull participants off the course. Any participant wanting to continue will do so at their own risk. Once we are clear of lightning we will restart or continue the walk.
· In the case of prolonged lightning and storms in the area, we will start the walk later in the day and potentially adjust the walk distances by shortening them.
· If inclement weather is predicted, we may adjust the course.
Cold Weather
Please prepare for these conditions. Dress warmly! Clothing should provide an internal layer that allows evaporation of sweat with minimal absorption, a middle layer that provides insulation, and a removable external layer that is wind and water resistant and allows for evaporation of moisture. Toes, fingers, ears, and skin should be protected the most. In the case of inclement weather, cold temperatures or excessive snow the following event changes may be made:
1. Walk may be shortened, delayed or have a time limit imposed.
2. As a VERY LAST RESORT the race may be cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
3. Donations/Refunds cannot be given under any circumstances.
Hot Weather
We encourage you to prepare for these potential conditions. Here are some helpful tips:
· Hydrate Well and Fuel well in Advance: Be sure you drink plenty of fluids and eat nutrient rich foods in advance of the race.
· Wear light clothing, a hat and Sunscreen &: Wear apparel that’s light in color, lightweight, and has vents or mesh. Wicking fabrics are a must. Consider bringing a “walk bag” that will include, bottled water, sunscreen, extra light clothing, light blanket, a cap—or better yet, a visor—and sunglasses to reduce heat build-up in your head, bottled water, sunscreen.
· If necessary, stop walking or running. If you get overheated or tired, stop and walk.
Should we have inclement weather or excessive heat the following event changes may be made:
· Walk may be altered or delayed or have a time limit imposed.
· As a VERY LAST RESORT the walk may be cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
· Donations/Refunds cannot be given under any circumstances.
IN THE CASE OF A HUMAN CAUSES THREAT
Purpose: In the case of an incident we have prepared a simple response plan, based on recommendations created by the Department of Homeland Security and local Law Enforcement. These events often happen without warning, and can be unpredictable. We have created this plan in the event of such an incident.
The Basics
1. First, if you experience any type of an emergency first call 911. You can also alert a JECF team captain or member.
2. Second assess the situation, and, if able, get to safety. If you feel a threat, please first get to safety. This may include, running, hiding, ducking, laying down, going off the walk course to shelter, or getting away from the threat. If you are during the walk please stop and get to safety.
3. Third, report into family, friends and JECF.
Safety Protocol: The Department of Homeland Security has developed safety protocol. In the case of an emergency, there might not be time to enact an emergency plan. Chaos may ensue, and things move very quickly. With that in mind, Department of Homeland Security recommends you take any the following actions. Run. Hide. Fight. There is no right way to respond, and each situation is different. So, they recommend doing any or all of the following:
· Run: Get away from the threat as soon as you can.
· Hide: Get out of the line of sight or the vicinity of the threat. This may mean ducking, finding shelter, barricading yourself in, or using natural obstacles to hide from the threat.
Our Emergency Protocol: In the case of an emergency, threat and/or an uncertain situation that could potentially endanger lives, we will call 911 and alert the appropriate authorities. In conjunction with local authorities, we will assess the threat and take appropriate action.
1. In the face of a threat, we may need to stop the walk. We will consult local law enforcement in this decision. In this case, JECF, or law enforcement officer will inform you that the event is stopped. They may hold you on course and not allow you to proceed until the threat has been eliminated. This is for your safety. If the event is stopped or cancelled, we will give you further directions on how to return to retrieve your things.
2. In the face of a threat, we may need to delay the event. We will consult local law enforcement in this decision.
JECF “A Walk for M.E. Contingency Plans