Church of Saint Joseph
St. Joseph, Minnesota
Emergency Procedures and Quick
Reference
Introduction-Goal
The goal is to provide a safe church environment at all times.
The emergency procedures contained in this plan are intended to provide a quick
reference for the safety of parishioners. However not all actions can be
anticipated or specified in an emergency plan. Common sense should dictate the
reaction in any emergency situation.
Ushers, or the first person, to respond may have to take charge of an emergency
situation until notifications are made. Follow the guidelines contained in this
reference and make as many notifications as needed.
Emergency Phone Numbers
Fire/Ambulance/Police
911
Pastor
363-7505 Ext. 122
Pastor Residence
363-7505 Ext. 126
Parish Secretary
363-7506 Ext. 100
Business Manager
363-7506 Ext. 120
Parish Custodian
320-248-5048
Poison Information Center
1-800—222-1222
Emergency Telephone Numbers
First Person Responding
1. Provide Privacy (Do not move the Person).
2. Call 911 – delegate to another person.
3. Have Father Request that individuals with a medical background
respond to situation.
4. Send a person for AED located in the Church’s East Entrance.
5. If AED is needed follow prompting directions.
6. Have someone meet the Emergency Response Team and show
them where the emergency is.
7. Keep Father informed regarding the need to end services or if
situation is under control.
8. Keep Father informed regarding need for spiritual care.
9. Report situation to Pastor
All Accidents and Injuries
Serious Medical Condition
Ushers or first person responding:
1. Call 911.
2. Have Father Request that individuals with medical background
respond to situation.
3. If person has a low blood sugar, supplies to raise blood sugar are
located in the bottom drawer of the East Entrance cupboard.
4. Provide privacy.
5. Do not move the person unless absolutely necessary.
6. Helpers should not physically intervene; don’t lift or move person.
7. Remove onlookers; try to isolate person.
8. Have a person wait outside to direct emergency team.
9. Communicate with Father the need to end church services.
 Communicate with Father the need for spiritual care.
 Report incident to Pastor; Refer media questions to Parish Pastor.
Serious Medical Situation
Fire/Explosion
Do not shout the word “Fire”!
This will only cause confusion and may result in a more serious situation than the
fire itself.
Fire Extinguisher located next to the sign in the counter in the
East Entrance.
Do Not Attempt to Fight the Fire
Unless the following conditions exist:
 You have a clear exit route behind you.
 You are familiar with and know how to handle fire fighting equipment.
 The fire is small enough that you are sure your attempt has a possibility of
succeeding.
If the fire is not out in 15 seconds, evacuate immediately
(Continued on the next page)
Fire/Explosion/Evacuation
Fire/Explosion
First Person Responding
On discovery of a fire:
 Pull the nearest fire alarm.
 Call 911 and report fire.
 Evacuate the building to at least 150 feet according to Evacuation Plan.
Evacuate the building using the safest available exit.
 Remain calm.
 Do not attempt to retrieve personal items.
 Do not make phone calls.
 Close doors.
 As you exit, check the area for anyone else. Assist all who need help to the
exit.
 Walk – do not run! Crawl if building is smoke filled.
Remain in designated area until everyone is accounted for and access to the
building has been granted by the Fire Department.
Unknown Person/Intruder
Unknown Person/Intruder- An unauthorized person who enters
the church campus.
Intruder
1. Politely greet intruder and identify yourself.
 Consider asking another person to accompany you, before
approaching intruder.
2. Ask intruder the purpose of his/her visit. If possible attempt to
identify the individual and/or vehicle.
3. If intruder’s purpose is not legitimate, ask him/her to leave.
Accompany the intruder to the exit.
4. Record information: description of individual, license plate
number, make, model, color of vehicle.
5. Notify Pastor/Administrative Designee or law enforcement; be
prepared to give full description.
If intruder refuses to leave:
1. Back away from intruder if he/she indicates a potential for
violence. Allow an avenue of escape. To the extent possible,
maintain visual contact.
2. Be aware of intruder’s actions at this time (where he/she is
located in the building, whether he/she is carrying a weapon or
package, etc.)
Assault
1. Promote safety first
2. Notify Police/call 911
3. Diffuse situation, if possible. Do not put yourself in danger.
4. Seal off area, if possible.
5. Clear onlookers.
6. Be prepared to recall the facts.
7. Report to the Pastor.
In case there is a person out of control, the ushers or first
persons responding are to:
1. Isolate the person as best you can. Remove parishioners
from the area.
2. Call 911 and have the police help with the situation.
Suspicious Person
Tornado/Severe Thunderstorm
A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted in the area.
Church
 If warning sirens are sounded the congregation should remain in the
church.
 Move to the center of church away from the windows.
 Assist children, elderly, and anyone with disabilities with moving to a
safe area.
 Remain in the safe area until the all clear signal is obtained.
Parish Center
 If warning sirens are sounded, the people in attendance should move to
the church area
 Individuals should stay in the center area of the church away from the
windows.
 Assist children, elderly and anyone with disabilities with moving to a safe
area.
 Remain in the safe area until the all clear signal is obtained.
May 9, 2013