St Mary’s by the Sea – Safety and Security Information

For Health Emergencies

  • Seek immediate attention from Church Greeters or Ushers.
  • A number of parishioners have volunteered to respond to emergencies. These Volunteer Responders and Ushers have been asked to coordinate their presence in the church during mass to better respond to emergencies.
  • Several Ushers, Volunteer Responders and other parishioners have taken advantage of the church provided CPR classes and are trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
  • Extensive Medical Supplies and a HeartSine Samaritan PAD 360P AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) are located in the church and are available for medical situations. A number of Ushers, Volunteer Responders and other Parishioners have been shown the use of the supplies and the AED and have access to these items. You may view the AED training video by going the web site, https://heartsine.com/support/aed-training-videos, and selecting the HeartSine Samaritan PAD 360P video.

Emergencies requiring evacuation of the building

  • Fire
  • Evacuate the church quickly, but in a safe manner.
  • Use the exit closest to your seat as indicated on the diagram showing these exits.
  • Follow the direction of the Ushers.
  • If smoke is present, stay low to the ground as you exit.
  • Ushers will assist with the evacuation of immobile parishioners.

 

  • Earthquake
  • At first sign of shaking, move away from windows and if possible seek cover under a pew.
  • Clasp a hand firmly behind your head, covering your neck.
  • Bury your face in your arms, protecting your head.
  • Close your eyes to protect them from dust and debris.
  • If immobile, protect your head and neck using your hands and arms.
  • Do not exit the building until the shaking has stopped.
  • In the event that there are downed power lines adjacent to the property it may not be safe to immediately drive or walk home.
  • Anticipate that aftershocks are likely and the listed procedures should be followed.

 

  • Active Shooter (Remember – Run, Hide, Fight). You may view the video, “Run, Hide, Fight” at; youtube.com/watch?v=p4IJA5Zpzz4
  • Run
  • If possible, Run (not in visible sight of shooter). Vacate the area or church through the closest exit away from the shooting.
  • Encourage and assist others to exit but do not let others’ hesitation delay your own exit and safety. Medical assistance to injured persons that cannot exit will be provided only after the premises are safely secured.
  • Hide
  • If you are exposed to the shooter, get low and out of sight and put any obstruction between you and the shooter. Remember that most obstructions that conceal you will not stop a bullet.
  • Move to a safe area if possible but do not raise your head into a visible position with regard to the shooter.
  • If necessary, stay concealed until police clear the area. Listen for Police direction.
  • Fight
  • If directly confronted by a shooter and your life is in imminent danger, use any and all items as weapons and attack with the intent of survival.