INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

In case of bad weather, the most important thing is for everyone to be safe. Please do not travel to Saint Gabriel the Archangel Episcopal Church for worship services or activities if you feel that doing so would be unsafe. If you are a leader or server and feel it is unsafe to travel to church for an activity that is not a Sunday morning service, please contact that person in charge at their listed number or email in the parish directory. If you are a leader or server for a Sunday morning service, please email the preparedness email at preparedness@stgabriels.org or call and leave a message on the parish office phone.

If there is inclement weather, there are several ways you can check to see if services or activities will be cancelled:

• Cancellation of services and/or activities due to bad weather and/or building damage will be listed on the home page of our website (www.stgabriels.org)
• An email through constant contact will be sent out through the distribution list notifying parishioners of any service and/or activity cancellation due to bad weather and/or building damage.
• The main phone line (303-771-1063) message at the church will be changed to notify parishioners of any cancellations of services and/or activities due to bad weather and/or building damage when people call the office.
• TV stations 9 (NBC) and 4 (CBS) will be notified of any cancellations of services and/or activities due to bad weather and/or building damage.

 
For morning/daytime activities a determination will be made by 6:00 am. For evening activities, a determination will be made by 2:00 pm. Only extremely hazardous weather, impassable travel conditions, severe damage to facilities, and/or a power outage at the church will cause a cancellation.

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Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tips 
 
Our Church Safety Ministry and Preparedness:
“I never thought it could happen here”. How many times have you heard that phrase immediately after a disaster? Bad things can happen to anyone, anywhere, at anytime. On average, it takes 7 minutes for police, fire, or medical first responders to get to an emergency after a 911 call. The average active shooter event lasts around 2 minutes. A person wounded with a severed artery can bleed out in about 3 minutes. A person suffering a heart attack or stroke can die or suffer debilitating injuries within 4 minutes. A fire can go from small to catastrophic after 5 minutes. Preparedness for an emergency is therefore important and can be the difference between life and death or serious injury. Everyone should be responsible for knowing what to do in the first 7 minutes of an emergency before first responders arrive. Over the year, the Saint Gabriel Safety Ministry Preparedness Committee will be publishing preparedness tips each week to better prepare you for an emergency that might happen at Saint Gabriel, or for that matter anywhere, including your home. Please be responsible for your preparedness and be response able in an emergency. It can happen to you.
 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #1:
The Mission of the Church Safety Ministry (Servanthood) at Saint Gabriel is to enhance the safety and well being of Saint Gabriel parishioners, guests, and facilities from all probable hazards through effective planning, organizing, equipping, training, and exercise programs. 
 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #2:
The Vision of the Church Safety Ministry (Servanthood) at Saint Gabriel is to have a church prepared with effective capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from hazards in a way that balances risk with resources and needs.
  
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #3:
We are concerned about four categories of threats/hazards at Saint Gabriel.
1. Medical emergencies (heart attacks, strokes, falls, wounds, burns, broken bones)
2. Security emergencies (violent intruders, vandalism, burglaries, child abuse)
3. Fire or Explosion emergencies (kitchen fire, building fire, grounds fire, gas leaks)
4. Weather emergencies (tornadoes, blizzards, ice storms)
 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #4:
The Saint Gabriel Preparedness Committee has conducted a risk assessment for every hazard that could affect our church. Forty-eight hazards were assessed as high, medium, or low based on how probable it is that the hazard might occur and what consequences would result from that occurrence. Four hazards were rated as high risk and include: heart attack, structural fire, gas leak/explosion, and tornado.
 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #5:
We prepare for all emergencies at Saint Gabriel by pursuing the following major goals:
1. Prevent a hazard from occurring.
2. Protect our congregation, guests, and facilities from natural or man-made hazards.
3. Respond effectively to any incident resulting from a hazard taking place.
4. Recover from any emergency as rapidly as possible.
 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #6:
We build capabilities to prepare for an emergency at Saint Gabriel. A capability is the ability to perform certain tasks at an acceptable level of performance in order to accomplish a desired outcome. An example of a capability is the ability to perform CPR in order to save a life after a heart attack. We need to accomplish these tasks before (prevent and protect), during (respond), and after (recover) an incident. Capabilities are where we spend our time, money, and effort to obtain our desired level of preparedness for a specific threat or emergency.
 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #7:
Every preparedness capability has five elements to it.
1. Planning: explains in detail what needs to be done, when, how, and by whom, and often includes best case, expected case, and worst-case scenarios.
2. Organization: determines who will do it as a group or as individuals.
3. Equipment: identifies what tools, aids, or materials we need to do it with.
4. Training: instruction that enables us to accomplish a specific task at a desired level of proficiency.
5. Exercises: tests our ability to conduct the tasks and determines if improvements or changes to procedures are needed.

Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #8:
Medical emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at anytime. The Preparedness Committee has identified 28 possible medical emergencies, ranging from a serious heart attack to non-life threatening injuries. These are listed in the St. Gabriel Preparedness Plan located on the St. Gabriel website. In most medical emergencies, follow these steps if you are the first to respond:
Step 1: What happened? Ask bystanders or the injured person.
Step 2: What is wrong? Tap injured person on shoulder and ask if they are all right. If injured person is conscious, get permission to start first aid.  
Step 3: Administer first aid and have someone call 911 if there is serious bleeding or level of consciousness is in question. Tell someone to get the AED and/or first aid kit as required. A Preparedness Checklist is in the ushers stand for reference. Preparedness tips are on the St. Gabriel website under congregational care.
 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #9:
Heart attack warning signs are:

• Discomfort in center of chest that lasts for more than a few minutes and comes back.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Get a powdered or tablet aspirin from one of the first aid kits located in the church (kitchen or usher stand) and have the person dissolve it in their mouth before washing down with water.
 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #10:
These are the immediate response actions if the person stops breathing or they have an abnormal heartbeat or no heartbeat:

1. Have someone call 911 for you.
2. Yell for someone to get the AED from the west wall of the kitchen.
3. Hands-Only CPR: Start chest compressions by pushing hard and fast on the lower half of the breastbone, at least 100 beats per minute and 2 inches deep, until the person is breathing on their own or until the AED or emergency services arrive. Use the song “Staying Alive” to time compressions.
4. Conventional CPR: Start Compressions first, then clear airway, then deliver breaths. Do 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths and repeat cycle until the person is breathing on their own or until AED or emergency services arrive.

 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #11:
Stroke warning signs are associated with the acronym FAST:

• Face drooping. Is one side of the face numb? Ask person to smile.
• Arm weakness. Ask person to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
• Speech difficulty. Is speech slurred? Ask person to repeat a simple sentence.
• Time to call 911. If any of the above symptoms are present, get the person to the hospital immediately. Fast intervention decreases consequences of a stroke.

 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #12:
A person who is bleeding severely can die within 5 minutes if not treated so it is important to quickly stop the blood loss. Have someone call 911 and retrieve a first aid kit while you are taking the following actions:

1. Apply pressure with hands. Expose the wound to find where bleeding is coming from and apply firm, steady pressure with both hands if possible.
2. Apply dressing and press. Apply firm, steady pressure to the bleeding site with bandages, soft cloth, or clothing. If packing a wound with gauze, never unpack it to add clean gauze. This will negate clotting if you do.
3. Apply tourniquet(s). If bleeding doesn’t stop on arms or legs, place a tourniquet 2-3 inches closer to the torso from the bleeding. The tourniquet may be applied and secured over clothing. Done correctly, it will be uncomfortable for the patient. There is a tourniquet in the first aid kit in the kitchen at St. Gabriel. Do not release the tourniquet until medics arrive.

   
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #13:
A choking victim can't speak or breathe and needs your help immediately. Follow these steps for a Heimlich Maneuver to help a choking victim:

• From behind, wrap your arms around the victim's waist.
• Make a fist and place the thumb side of your fist against the victim's upper abdomen, below the ribcage and above the navel.
• Grasp your fist with your other hand and press into their upper abdomen with a quick upward thrust. Do not squeeze the ribcage; confine the force of the thrust to your hands.
• Repeat until object is expelled.
• Some techniques use 5 back blows before the Heimlich. If you haven’t been trained on back blows, it is OK to use the Heimlich only.

 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #14:
The Heimlich Maneuver for choking infants is different than adults. If an infant is less than 1 year old use this procedure:

• Lay the child down, face up, on a firm surface and kneel or stand at the victim's feet, or hold infant on your lap facing away from you.
• Place the middle and index fingers of both your hands below his rib cage and above his navel.
• Press into the victim's upper abdomen with a quick upward thrust; do not squeeze the rib cage.
• Be very gentle. Repeat until object is expelled.
• If the victim has not recovered, proceed with CPR.
• The victim should see a physician immediately after rescue.
• Some techniques use 5 back blows before the Heimlich. If you haven’t been trained on back blows, it is OK to use the Heimlich only.

 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #15:
When you choke and are alone, you can't speak or breathe and you need help immediately. Follow these steps to save yourself from choking:

• Make a fist and place the thumb side of your fist against your upper abdomen, below the ribcage and above the navel.
• Grasp your fist with your other hand and press into your upper abdomen with a quick upward thrust.
• Repeat until object is expelled.
• Alternatively, you can lean over a fixed horizontal object (table edge, chair, railing) and press your upper abdomen against the edge to produce a quick upward thrust.
• Repeat until object is expelled.
• See a physician immediately after rescue.

 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #16:
Fall Injuries are common problems, especially in those over the age of 65 years. It is reported that about 20% of such falls result in a bone fracture or a severe head injury (traumatic brain injury). If someone falls and appears injured:
Approach them calmly and reassuringly. Do not rush to move them. Get onto the floor so you are at the same level as them and immediately assess:
If there is no serious injury or medical cause for the fall:

• Carefully and very slowly help them into a sitting position – watch them carefully for any signs of pain, discomfort or dizziness.
• With help, carefully assist them into a chair, or to a warm environment.
• Very carefully and reassuringly check them over completely to ensure that there is no unseen injury – this is particularly important with diabetics when they may not feel where they have hurt themselves. Apply first aid if necessary.
• Monitor them carefully for the next 24 hours, inform their next of kin and fill in a St. Gabriel Incident form.

 
 Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #17
If someone is hurt after falling,
If they are not responsive:

• If breathing: get them to a recovery position (lying on their left side) to ensure they won’t ingest fluids into their lungs. (If no evidence of injuries on left side).
• If they are not breathing: start CPR immediately, have someone call 911 and request a defibrillator (AED). “You and you, call 911 and get the AED”.

If they are responsive:

• Talk to them and try and ascertain how the accident happened and if there could be any medical cause such as a fainting or stroke – do not stress them if they are confused.
• Try and work out where it hurts most and look at them closely to see if there is any obvious bleeding, bruising or contorted limbs indicating a particular injury.
• If they are conscious and you think they may have fallen from a height or could have injured their head, neck, or spine – Do not move them. Try and keep them as still as possible and discourage them from twisting. Call 911 and calmly keep reassuring them until paramedics arrive.
• If you are aware of any bleeding apply firm pressure with a clean pad while awaiting the First Aid kit located in the kitchen.
• If they start to show signs of clinical shock – lay them back and raise their legs and call 911.

 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #18
If someone is burned, call 911 immediately if:

• The burned area penetrates all layers of the skin.
• The skin is leathery or charred looking, with white, brown or black patches.
• The burn blister is larger than two inches in diameter or oozes.
• The victim’s hands, feet, face, or genitals are burned.
• The victim is an infant or is elderly.

If the above is not present, then see a doctor as soon as possible when:

• You see signs of an infection, like increased pain, redness, swelling, fever, or oozing.
• The person hasn’t had a tetanus or booster shot within the last ten years.
• If redness and pain lasts more than a few hours or if the pain worsens.

 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #19
First Aid for Second degree burns (affecting top 2 layers of the skin only).

• Stop the person’s contact with what is causing the burn.
• Remove constrictive clothing immediately by taking off jewelry, belts, and tight clothing as burns can swell quickly.
• Cool burn by immersing burned area in lukewarm or cool water for 10 or 15 minutes, using compresses if running water isn’t available. Do not apply ice, break any blisters or apply butter or ointments, which can cause infection.
• Protect burn by covering it loosely with a sterile, nonstick bandage and secure in place with gauze or tape.
• Prevent shock by laying the person flat, elevating the feet about 12 inches, elevating the burn area above heart level (if possible) and cover the person with a coat or blanket, unless the person has a head, neck or leg injury, or it would cause discomfort.
• See a doctor

Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #20
First Aid for third degree burns (affecting all layers of the skin and permanent tissue damage).

• If person’s clothing is on fire, “stop, drop, and roll” to smother flames.
• Remove smoldering material from the person, but don’t remove clothing that is stuck to the skin. Cut off clothing around it.
• Call 911
• Protect the burn area by covering loosely with a sterile, nonstick bandage or, for large areas, a sheet or other material that won’t leave lint in the wound and separating burned toes and fingers with dry, sterile dressings. 
• Do not soak burn in water or apply ointments or butter, which can cause infection.
• Prevent shock by laying the person flat, elevating the feet about 12 inches, elevating the burned area above heart level (if possible) covering the person with a coat or blanket.
• For an airway burn, do not place a pillow under the person’s head when the person is lying down (This can close the airway.).
• Have person with a face burn sit up.
• Check pulse and breathing to monitor for shock until emergency help arrives.

Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #21:
There are some first aid measures that make a difference if accomplished within seconds to minutes of a poison exposure. Be familiar with the steps below for swallowed poisons. Poisons in the eye, on the skin, or inhaled (breathed in) will be addressed in following tips. 
Call 911 right away if the individual collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened.
SWALLOWED Poisons

• Don’t use ipecac to induce vomiting. It can cause more harm than help.
• Do drink a small amount of water or milk immediately if:
  • The product swallowed is burning, irritating or caustic, AND
  • The person is conscious, not having convulsions, and able to swallow. 
• Then, get help from Poison Control. There 2 ways to get help: 
  • Call 1-800-222-1222.
  • Go to https://www.poison.org/first-aid for online help.

 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #22:
For poisons in the eye, it’s important that you irrigate (rinse the exposed eyes) immediately. Every second matters and a delay could result in a loss of sight.

• Remove contact lenses.
• Use lots of room temperature water and irrigate for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Adults and older children might find it easier to do this in the shower.
• Wrap young children in a towel and let water from a faucet in the kitchen sink run over the eye or slowly pour water from a pitcher. Let the water hit the bridge of the nose and gently run into the eyes rather than pouring water directly into the eyes.
• Encourage blinking.
• After irrigating the eyes for 15 to 20 minutes, call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 for further guidance.
• If symptoms are severe, go to an emergency room immediately after irrigating.

Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #23:
For poisons on the skin, it’s important that you rinse the exposed skin immediately.

• Don’t delay in removing contaminated clothing first.
• Use lots of room temperature running water and rinse for at least 15 minutes.
• For large areas of skin, adults and older children might find it easier to shower.
• Mild hand soap can be used to remove material that sticks to the skin.
• After the 15-minute rinse, call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.
• If swelling, blistering, or pain worsens or persists, go to an emergency room.

 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #24:
For inhaled poisons, move the victim to fresh air immediately.

• Stay away from all toxic gases or fumes.
• Thoroughly ventilate the involved area.
• Call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 to get specific recommendations.
• If breathing is labored or difficult after being in fresh air for a few minutes, go to an emergency room.
• Carbon monoxide is the most common inhaled poison and may require CPR to resuscitate. Have a carbon monoxide monitor in every sleeping area of your house.
• Hydrocarbons like gasoline, kerosene, furniture polish, and paint thinner is the leading cause of poisoning death in children from being swallowed or inhaled.

Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #25:
Things to do before a fire starts:

• Determine where two escape routes are from your location.
  • St. Gabriel has six exits. (West door, pulpit door, north door, northeast door, east door, and south door)
• Know where fire extinguishers are located.
  • St. Gabriel has eleven (11) fire extinguishers throughout the church.
  • 1 at ushers stand, 1 in choir loft, 2 in sacristy, 1 in parish hall next to stairs, 1 in kitchen next to phone, 1 at kitchen stairs, 1 next to nursery, 1 in basement hall at St. Teresa classroom, 1 in basement hall next to library, and 1 in St. George classroom.
• Know how to use a fire extinguisher.
  • Use the acronym “PASS” to remember. Don’t “pass” by a fire extinguisher.
    • Pull safety pin from handle to arm the extinguisher.
    • Aim the extinguisher hose at the base of the fire.
    • Squeeze the trigger handle.
    • Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire.

 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #26:
When a fire is discovered but a fire alarm hasn’t sounded:

• Activate the nearest fire alarm pull. There are six (6) alarm pulls, one at each exit door except the pulpit door and one in the basement next to the northeast stairs.
• Alert others. If it can be safely done, ask for two volunteers to check each room in the church for stragglers. (Sweep Team).
• Evacuate the church using the stairs, not the elevator, and close doors behind you.
• Fight the fire with two people with fire extinguishers if fire is small and contained. (Fire Team).
• Call 911 when at the assembly area (playground) outside the church.
• Do not re-enter the building until authorized by fire rescue authorities.

Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #27:
When a fire/smoke alarm sounds:

• Evacuate – Walk to the nearest exit closing doors behind you and the fire.
• Assist persons with special needs if possible.
• Proceed to the assembly area (playground) outside the church and call 911.
• If it can be safely done and fire is small and contained, fight the fire with fire extinguishers with two people. (Fire Team)
• If it can be done safely, have two volunteers check each room for stragglers. (Sweep Team)
• Do not re-enter the building until authorized by fire rescue authorities.

Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #28:
Use these procedures if the fire is severe:

• If trapped in a room:
  • Wet and place cloth material around or under the door to prevent smoke from entering the room.
  • Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
  • Call 911 and let them know where you are in the building.
  • Open a window if possible and shout “fire, fire”.
• If caught in smoke:
  • Drop to hands and knees and crawl toward exit. Stay low as smoke will rise to the ceiling.
  • Count the doors as you pass so you will know when you reach the exit door.
• If forced to advance through flames:
  • Hold your breath and move quickly.
  • Cover your head with a damp cloth if possible.
  • Keep your head down and your eyes closed as much as possible.

Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #29:
Tornadoes are one of nature’s most violent and damaging hazards that can cause almost complete destruction of everything in its direct path. The following alerts may be given:

• A Tornado Watch is issued by the National Weather Service to let people know that conditions are right for a potential disaster to occur. It does not mean that an event will necessarily occur. Know where the closest shelter is.
• A Tornado Warning is issued by the National Weather Service to let people know that a severe weather event is already occurring or is imminent. People should take immediate safety action and seek shelter.

If a Tornado Warning is issued, tornado sirens are heard, or a tornado is sighted while at St. Gabriel, proceed immediately to the tornado shelter located in the St. Cecelia Choir Room on the lower level. Do not attempt to go to your car.

• Communicate to others the need to take shelter, identify the location of the shelter to others, and help those who are physically handicapped to the shelter.
• The hallway adjacent to the St. Cecelia Choir Room can also be used as a shelter in case of overflow. Always stay clear of windows wherever you are.
• Use a cell phone or a small weather radio to keep informed of the status of the tornado.
• Expect loss of electricity and have a cell phone flashlight app or small flashlight ready for use in case this happens.
• Wait for the all clear before leaving the shelter.

 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #30:
Severe thunderstorms can produce lightning, hail, heavy rain, and flooding. Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather related deaths. Do these things if lightning occurs:

• Be Aware: Monitor a weather radio or a cell phone weather alert app when severe weather is a possibility.
• Go Indoors: “When thunder roars, go indoors”. Safe shelters include churches, homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-topped vehicles with the windows rolled up. Count the number of seconds from a lightning flash until you hear the thunder then divide that number by 5 to get the number of miles to the lightning. Go indoors if within 6 miles of lightning (less than 30 seconds between flash and thunder).
• Crouch close to the ground: If caught in an open area, do not lie down but crouch down in a ball like position (feet and knees together) with head tucked and hands over your ears. You want minimal contact with the ground as lightning causes electric currents along the ground that can be deadly up to 100 feet away.
• Separate: If you are in a group in the open, don’t huddle together but separate from each other. This will reduce the number of injuries if lightning strikes the ground. If someone is struck by lightning, call 911 and perform CPR if victim is not responsive and is not breathing normally.

Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #31:
Thunderstorms can cause severe flooding as a result of heavy rain. More people die from flooding every year than from any other thunderstorm or hurricane-related hazard according to NOAA. Here are a few tips if you are caught in a flash flood:

• Be very aware of your car's limitations. If you drive in water that's six inches deep or more, your car could stall or you could lose control of it. One foot of water is enough to float most cars, and two feet of rushing water can indeed carry away cars, SUVs and pick-ups. Remember the motto “Turn around, don’t drown”.
• Do not panic if your car becomes submerged by floodwaters. Release your seat belt, roll down your window and get out of the car. If your windows won't open, let the car fill with water. Once that happens, you will be able to open the doors. Get out of the car immediately and swim to the surface. Do not stay in the car until it sinks.
• If you are swept away in fast-moving water, try to make sure your feet are pointed downstream and make every effort to direct your body over obstacles rather than under them.
• If you are on foot, be aware that you can be knocked down by just six inches of moving water. If you come upon moving water, do not walk into it.
• If you can, try to avoid contact with any floodwaters. The water may be contaminated with raw sewage, oil or gasoline, and may also be charged with electricity from downed power lines.
• Be especially vigilant at night, when it's harder to recognize potentially deadly road hazards.
• Do not camp or park your car along rivers or washes, especially during heavy rains or thunderstorms.
• Stay informed. Tune in to your local radio station during bad weather.
• If a flash flood is issued for your area, get to higher ground immediately. You may only have a few seconds before the danger is unavoidable.

 
 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #32:
Winter weather hazards include blizzards, extreme cold, and ice. The preferred option for surviving severe winter weather is to stay indoors with an adequate supply of food and water. If you have to be outdoors:

• Watch for frostbite: Wear three layers: one that can absorb sweat, a second to serve as insulation, and the last to seal out cold temperatures. Even the warmest clothing becomes ineffective if it gets too damp from absorbing sweat. Be sure to wear a hat and gloves, as the parts of the body most vulnerable to frostbite are the ears, earlobes, tip of the nose, cheeks, fingers, and toes since they’re at the edges of blood circulation. Tingling cold and numbness are precursors to frostbite, so if that occurs, get inside immediately or seek medical attention if the area is already turning white or black. Dip the body part in warm (not hot) water to revive it.
• Know the signs of hypothermia: If the body’s core temperature dips below 95 degrees, hypothermia could begin to set in. It's usually marked by shivering, pale skin, and nails turning blue. The elderly may experience confusion, dizziness, and/or slurred speech. Seek warm shelter and get under blankets if this is happening to you.
• Watch for ice: Wear shoes that have non-skid surfaces. When ice is present, walk like a penguin with your feet spread apart by about a foot. Do the slow shuffle with small steps, aligning your feet after each step. Take stair steps one at a time and use the handrail. Plant both feet on a step before taking the next one. If you fall, try to lean forward so the back of your head and spine don’t hit the pavement. Try to fall on your thigh, hip, and shoulder rather than your easily broken arms, knees or wrists.

 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #33:
Everyone should be able to worship in peace without a concern for his or her safety. Unfortunately, churches are not immune from security related incidents such as suspicious persons, vandalism, robbery, theft, assault, bomb threats, suspicious packages, child molestation, or an active shooter. The “it could never happen here” attitude can lead to a false sense of security and complacency. This perspective many times results in a resistance to taking preventive measures and a reluctance to spend scarce resources (time, money, and effort) on preparing for security incidents. A recent survey showed that only 25% of houses of worship in the United States have a preparedness plan that includes security issues. Mitigation of vulnerabilities associated with a security incident occurring will decrease the consequences from those incidents measurably. The next several preparedness tips will cover what you can do before, during, and after each security incident.
 

Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #34:
The most serious security incident that has occurred at a church is an active shooter entering the church. The probability of an active shooter targeting St. Gabriel is small, but the consequences of an incident of that type should motivate us to be prepared. If the threat is serious and immediate, leave the situation if possible and call 911. Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect yourself. The following information is presented as options. In the moment, you will need to make a personal choice based on your assessment of the situation. Keep in mind that others are likely to follow your lead during an emergency situation. Don’t do nothing but do something immediately.
Run:

• Have an evacuation route and plan in mind.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Keep your hands visible to law enforcement when they arrive.

Hide:

• Hide in an area out of the violent person’s view.
• Lock the doors and block entry by placing furniture against the doors.
• Turn off the lights and turn off your cell phone’s ringer and set to vibrate.
• Remain silent until given the all clear by law enforcement officials (visibly check).

Fight:

• As a last resort, if neither running nor hiding is a safe option and only when your life is in imminent danger.
• Attempt to incapacitate the violent person by using items such as chairs, fire extinguishers, or heavy books (hymnals).

Call 911 when it is safe to do so.
 
 
Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #35:
A Standard Response Protocol has been developed for schools throughout the nation to guide students when a threat occurs outside or inside their school. The following is the St. Gabriel Standard Response Protocol that should be used by our congregation when a threat is detected and is similar to what your children are using in their schools.
LOCKOUT: A threat exists outside the church and the doors are locked to prevent entry.  Violent person(s) outside the church or a police alert is the most likely threat.
LOCKDOWN: A threat has been detected inside the church and everyone is asked to seek cover in a room barricaded from the threat. A violent intruder is the most likely threat.
EVACUATE: A threat has been detected inside the church and everyone is asked to use evacuation procedures to leave the church. The most likely threats are a violent intruder where evacuation routes are known to be safe or in the case of a fire or a gas leak.
SHELTER IN PLACE: A threat has been detected outside the church that requires everyone to remain inside the church for shelter. The most likely threat is a tornado, severe weather, or a hazardous materials release outside the church.
A more detailed explanation of the St. Gabriel Standard Response Protocol is presented in following preparedness tips.
 

Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #36:
The first procedure in the St. Gabriel Standard Response Protocol is:
Lockout - A security threat exists external to the church

• All six (6) external doors are locked and monitored.
• Outdoor activities are brought inside.
• Access is granted only through the north door based on the threat.
• Business as usual within the church (if no threat is present).
• Take attendance and prepare a list of those present in the church.
• Ignore fire alarms, evacuate only when instructed.
• Wait for further instructions.

 

Church Safety Ministry Preparedness Tip #37:
The second procedure in the St. Gabriel Standard Response Protocol is:
Lockdown - A security threat exists internal to the church

• All occupants are to seek shelter in a room or office.
• LOCKS, LIGHTS, OUT OF SIGHT!
• Close and lock doors or barricade with furniture.
• Turn off lights, close blinds if installed.
• Keep all congregants sitting on the floor, away from view of doors and windows.
• Be quiet – no talking – no noise – limit use of cell phones (vibrate only).
• Ignore fire alarms, evacuate only when instructed.
• Take attendance and prepare a list of who is in the room.
• Outside activities move away from the building.

Use caution and discretion when allowing anyone