9/17/2019

Church Emergency Response Plan Example

This Church Emergency Response Plan (ERP) took a committee of 12 over 3 years to research and write. We ran 3 drills to test and improve it. We have trained many in our parish on it's essentials.

Remarkable that a Church ERP is necessary, but that is a reality of the times in which we live. This plan is aimed at meeting the challenge of the threat matrix today.

Every church is different. You must tailor your ERP to your circumstances and individuals.

I pray this ERP saves you time and effort as a baseline for your needs. I also pray it helps your Christian church to save lives and property in Jesus' sacred Name, Amen.

Saint Michael Catholic Church Emergency Response Plan (ERP)

St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Promulgation Document

This document/page is a signed statement formally recognizing and adopting the Saint Michael Catholic Church Emergency Response Plan. It gives both the authority and the responsibility to the parish’s leadership to perform their tasks before, during, or after an incident. In view of this consideration, the plan has been reviewed and approved by the Safety and Security Committee. The final approval of the plan and signatory is by the Business Manager on behalf of the Pastor.

Foreword

The Saint Michael Catholic Church Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is designed to provide the framework for responding to major incidents, including life threatening emergencies and injuries. The goals of this plan are to outline a strategy to prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from an emergency that affects the parish community. As part of this strategy, this plan will:

· Establish the ERP for response to emergencies

· Identify and assign responsibilities for planning and response activities

· Identify potential hazards that form the basis for planning

· Identify parish employees and volunteers who will be trained on the emergency plan

· Outline pre-planned emergency response actions

· Establish responsibilities for maintenance and review of the ERP

· Provide the basis for initial training and refresher training of staff and volunteers

· Establish and conduct annual drills

Parish clergy, staff, lay ministers who are assigned a responsibility in the ERP must have a working knowledge of their roles during emergency situations, and what actions they must take. With proper implementation, the ERP will provide the basic appropriate response measures for the emergency at hand.

This ERP is available for review by all employees and volunteers in the church and parish center buildings at Saint Michael Catholic Church. Contact the Business Manager {phone, or email) for a copy.

Review

This ERP is intended to be a living and breathing document. It is to be reviewed annually. Any changes to improve the procedures and checklists are incorporated into the ERP as they are identified.

References

· Emergency Response/Continuity Plan Template National Continuity Programs, Continuity of Operations Division, Federal Emergency Management Agency

· FEMA Continuity Plan Instructions for Non-Federal Governments September 2013 Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church Emergency Response Plan Rev 5/15/Instituting a Parish Safety and Security Committee recommendations for the Archdiocese of Baltimore

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Concept of Operations

Social Media Disaster Recovery Guidelines

The Emergency Response Plan, Goals, and Objectives

Organization and Assignment of Responsibilities

Saint Michael Incident Leader

Parish Office Incident Leader: Pastor or Parish Manager

Parish Business Manager

Employees and Trained Personnel: (Pastor, Deacons, Religious Education Director, Religious Education and Youth Staff and Volunteers)

Religious Education Teachers (Catechists)

Coaches, Committee Leaders, Catechist, and Volunteers

Phases of Emergency Management

a) Prevention

b) Preparedness

c) Implementation - ERP Activation

2.1 Emergency Response Plan Training

Common References

2.2 Frequency of Training on the Emergency Response Plan

2.3 Conducting Emergency Response Plan Drills

3. Response (Implementation of the Emergency Response Plan)

4. Emergency procedure

4.1 Notification

4.2 Types of Emergency

4.2.1 Getting the Attention of Others

4.3 Implementation of the Emergency Response Plan

4.3.1 Medical Emergencies:

4.3.2 Disruptive Behavior, Domestic Disputes, or Disorderly Persons:

4. 3.3 Evacuation - (Fire/Smoke Alarm or Bomb Threat/Suspicious Package)

4.3.3.1 Fire/Smoke Alarm

4.3.3.2 Power Failure during an Evacuation

4.3.3.3 Hazardous Materials Released

4.3.3.3.1 Inside a Room, Building or Localized Area:

4.3.3.3.2 Hazardous Material Released in Surrounding Community:

4.3.3.3 Bomb Threat or Suspicious Package

4.3.4 Shelter-In-Place

4.3.5 Lock-Down

a) AVOID-(Evacuate)

b) DENY-HIDE

c) DEFEND- (Active shooter)

5. All Clear

6. Rental use of Church Facilities

7. Recovery

7. Incident Critique

8. Emergency Equipment Procedures

8.1 Fire Extinguishers Locations

8.2 Fire Alarm and Suppression System:

8.3 Utility Shutdown Procedures

a) Air Conditioning, Heat and Electric

b) Water

c) Gas

Appendix A: Bomb Threat Checklist

Appendix B: Emergency Contact Directory

Appendix C Emergency Contact Numbers

Appendix D: New Staff / Volunteer Safety Orientation Training

Appendix E: St. Michael’s Emergency Incident Message Form

Appendix F: Points for a Post-Incident Management Critique

Appendix G: Evacuation and Zone Maps, Evacuation Areas Map, Evacuation during the Sacred Mass

Appendix H: Shelter-in-Place Maps

Appendix I: Location of Extinguishers, Fire Pull Alarms, and First Aid Kits

Appendix J Pre School Organization and Assignment of Responsibilities

Basic Information

Emergency Contact Information

Fire/Police/Ambulance 911

Shelter In Place Procedures

Evacuation Plan-On site

Evacuation Plan-off site

Reunification with Parents

Emergency Definition

An emergency is an unexpected occurrence, either natural or man-made, that requires immediate action to save lives, minimize injuries and protect property and the environment.

Concept of Operations

The parish clergy, staff, lay ministers and volunteers of Saint Michael Catholic Church are striving to provide a safe environment for all occupants of the premises by enacting emergency protocols during situations or circumstances that require a proscribed response.

To create an ERP for emergency situations, Saint Michael Church has formed a Safety and Security Committee to develop, plan, train and implement goals and objectives to manage an emergency.

This committee has developed this ERP to provide organization and control to those who would implement the ERP. Priests, deacons, the parish business manager, religious education staff, facilities management and other full-time staff and volunteers of the parish have all received training to accomplish these goals and objectives.

The purpose and intent of this ERP is to save lives, minimize injuries, prevent, or minimize damage to property and the environment.

Saint Michael Church relies on the Maryland State Police and Howard County to provide services such as police, fire, and ambulance services (Lisbon) and public works.

Procedures and best practices for emergency actions and training are outlined in the body of this ERP. This document will be a “living and breathing” document to update and improve upon with new knowledge, technology or learned practices. These updates will be recorded within a “Record of Changes” that will be incorporated within the ERP.

This ERP takes into consideration all elements and functions of the vibrant parish life we all enjoy, to include weekend and weekday programs. Programs such as the daily activities of our full-time staff, the weekend Masses, Religious Education, Youth Ministry, Sports, Divorce Recovery, Bingo, Music Ministry and many more.

Since response time from the local Police/Fire and EMS may be delayed during an emergency, it is important to establish action plans to respond to a multitude of emergencies. As such, periodic training for staff and volunteers will be provided. This ERP will be communicated throughout the parish community and practiced periodically.

This ERP will be shared with the Archdiocese of Baltimore and local emergency response officials to ensure there is a mutual understanding of expected responses during various emergencies and to coordinate life-saving and safety tasks.

Saint Michael Catholic Church will strive to maintain the parish facilities in a safe condition to minimize the potential for emergency situations, hazardous conditions, and injury to persons and will maintain safe corridors for ingress and egress from structures. To this extent, every effort is made to ensure the facilities meet all local building code requirements and are periodically inspected for unsafe conditions and repairs are made as required.

Social Media Disaster Recovery Guidelines

Using social media correctly to respond to a crisis is increasingly one of the most important tasks that determine the success of a recovery effort. Below are guidelines to manage social media before, during and after a crisis.

Continuously monitor the news via cell phone, social media, radio, and TV to be able to adapt to changes

Judiciously use social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) to convey who is alive, safe, and leaving the impact are

Use social media to contact your family, friends and loved ones that you are safe

Verify the information you send on social media is accurate (avoid spreading rumors)

Monitor social media for messages that have to do with the event

The Emergency Response Plan, Goals, and Objectives

ERP activities include; Prevention, Preparedness and Training, Emergency Notification Procedures, Implementation of Emergency Actions, Procedures for Specific Types of Emergency Situations, Utility Shutdown Procedures, Communications, and Recovery. The nature of the response will depend on the characteristics and requirements of each situation. The ERP will be activated as required to cope with the specific situations and each element will operate per the provisions of this ERP.

Priority will be given to the following protocols:

· Contacting outside emergency response resources such as Police/Fire/911

· Disseminating information, warnings, emergency action information

· Surveying and evaluating the emergency situation

· Conducting Evacuation, Shelter-in-Place, and active assailant exercises as required

· Implementing health and safety measures

· Accounting for all occupants; most importantly, children

· Providing for the care and treatment of injuries

· Directing response personnel and materials

· Providing direction and control of people and site traffic

· Providing information to parents of children

· Providing information to parish and diocesan personnel

· Reunification and coordinating pick-up of children

· Providing spiritual comfort and support

· Responding to the media

Organization and Assignment of Responsibilities

Saint Michael Incident Leader

The Incident Leader could be a member of the full-time staff, committee leader or a senior volunteer during the time of the incident. It is the intention of this committee to provide ERP Training to all full-time staff and volunteers to act in this manner and capacity.

The Incident Leader is responsible for initiating and directing the ERP Actions to accomplish the ERP goals and objectives. Specific duties of the Incident Leader may include:

· Ensure 911 is called. Incident Leader will direct a responsible person to call 911 while they continue to asses and respond to the emergency at hand

· Determine the type of Emergency Response and implementing the ERP - Emergency Action, i.e. (Evacuate, Shelter-in-Place and Lock Down)

· Directing the Emergency Response Team members (other staff and volunteers) to:

o Evacuate/Shelter-in-Place

o Check assigned Zones of Responsibilities

o Report Status of Zones

o Accounting for all children

o Accounting for all occupants of the building

o Assessing and communicating injuries to Incident Leader

o Constantly re-evaluating the situation and taking appropriate measures

· Coordinate with Facilities Manager on utility shut downs.

· Acting as liaison to outside agencies and resources, or designating another trained staff member or volunteer to act as liaison.

· Communicating the situation to a higher authority such as the Pastor or the Business Manager and continually providing updates.

· Reassessing conditions and ensuring the welfare of occupants

Parish Office Incident Leader: Pastor or Parish Manager

· When the Pastor, Parish Business Manager, or full-time staff is not initially present, a committee leader or volunteer will assume the role of Incident Leader until a person of greater authority arrives.

· Media and other communications must be referred to the Pastor or Parish Business Manager

Parish Business Manager

· The Parish Business Manager reports to the Parish Pastor and is responsible for maintaining the parish facilities in a safe functioning condition.

· The Parish Business Manager coordinates all maintenance, repair, and improvements to the property of St. Michael Church

· This position requires working closely with Archdiocese organizations to ensure timely completion and payment of work.

· The Parish Business Manager also coordinates procurement of goods and services

Employees and Trained Personnel: (Pastor, Deacons, Religious Education Director, Religious Education and Youth Staff and Volunteers)

All full-time staff and trained volunteers are critical to the successful implementation of the ERP. They are all considered Emergency Response Team Members.

Emergency Response Team Members will:

· Assess the emergency situation

· Immediately dial 911 in the event of an emergency

· Assume the role of Incident Leader if appropriate

· Disseminate information, warnings, and emergency response actions

· Ensure the proper protocols for conducting Evacuation, Shelter-in-Place, or Lock-Down

· Ensure areas have been fully Evacuated or Sheltered-in-Place

· Ensure the proper accounting of all occupants are being accomplished

· Provide and direct care and treatment of injuries

· Direct response personnel to essential areas of concern and or injured persons

· Provide direction and control of people and site traffic

· Assist Religious Education Staff in accounting for and care of children

· Assist Religious Education Staff in contacting parents of children

Assist in reunification of parents of children

Religious Education Teachers (Catechists)

· Remain calm, the children will look to you for strength and guidance

· Bring attendance folder

· Bring emergency pack

· Ensure the proper protocols for conducting Evacuation, Shelter-in-Place or Lock-Ensure all children are accounted for while enacting the prescribed emergency actions

· Ensure all children are accounted for once the class reaches the Evacuation or Shelter-in-Place Areas

· Check for injuries and immediately report any findings to Religious Education Staff

· Have all children sit down and remain silent

· Communicate the status of your class (attendance/injuries) to the Religious Education Staff

· Ensure in the proper reunification of parents of children

Coaches, Committee Leaders, Catechist, and Volunteers

Note: Present after business hours during the week or weekends

· Assess the emergency situation

· Immediately dial 911 in the event of an emergency

· Assume the role of Incident Leader if appropriate

· Disseminate information, warnings, emergency response actions

· Ensure the proper protocols for conducting Evacuation, Shelter-in-Place or Lock-Down.

· Ensure areas have been fully Evacuated or have Sheltered-in-Place

· Remain calm, the children will look to you for strength and guidance

· Bring attendance folder

· Bring emergency pack

· Ensure the children are accounted for while enacting the prescribed emergency actions

· Ensure the children are accounted for once held at the Evacuation or Shelter-in-Place Areas

· Check for injuries and immediately report findings

· Have the children sit down and remain silent

· Ensure the proper notifications are made to the Pastor and Parish Staff

· Ensure in the proper reunification of parents of children

Phases of Emergency Management

Four primary phases of emergency management have been outlined, which relate to the parish activities before, during, and after an emergency has occurred.

aPrevention – Activities such as inspection, maintenance, and repair that either prevent or reduce the chance of the occurrence of an emergency.

bPreparedness – Activities such as planning, training and exercises that support and enhance the response to an emergency.

c Implementation - ERP Activation – Activities such as the implementation of the ERP: Evacuation, Shelter-in-Place, or Lock-Down. Providing direction, control, communications, and situational awareness to the occupants of the building and responding authorities to address the immediate and short-term effects of the emergency.

dRecovery – Activities such as debris removal, building repair and inspections that will help restore the parish to normal operations after an emergency.

1 Prevention

1.1 Inspections

Inspections will be performed periodically to ensure that structures meet all codes and preparedness requirements and to identify potential hazards. The Parish Business Manager and Facility Manager are responsible for coordinating all inspections.

The Parish Business Manager and Facilities Manager, with the assistance of the Safety and Security Committee members shall perform walk through visual inspections on a bi-annual basis. Inspections will be communicated to the Archdiocese Office of Risk Management. All volunteers and employees of the parish are encouraged to report any potential hazard to the Parish Business Manager immediately.

Inspections include the following items:

· Alarm systems

· Fire suppressant system

· Fire extinguishers

· Sprinkler system

· AED Equipment (inspected weekly/quarterly)

· Parish walk troughs for structural integrity, blocked passage ways, or indicators of other concerns

2. Preparedness

Preparedness activities focus upon training individuals in the ERP and having information available for potential emergencies. It is difficult to assume who will be at the parish facilities during an emergency. Therefore, training is essential to an effective ERP.

This section provides an outline for training to ensure that all employee staff, committee leaders and volunteers are thoroughly familiar with the elements of the ERP and their responsibilities and duties.

The training program will be implemented when the plan is approved and then annually thereafter. Additional training will be given to any new staff employees, volunteers, and committee members when the ERP procedures have been updated, or revised.

2.1 Emergency Response Plan Training

Pastors, Deacons, Parish Business Manager and Administrative Staff, Religious Education Staff, Catechist, Ushers, Committee Leaders, Music Ministry, Coaches, and others who are active in the Parish will receive ERP Training.

Training consists of:

· ERP Training Presentation

· Practical Exercises

· Parish Walk Through

Those who receive this training are critical to the successful implementation of the ERP. Everyone is a team member.

Common References

Team Leader: Lead Catechists, Committee Leaders, Ministry Leaders, Ushers, or Coaches. (Those who lead groups)

Zone Leader: Religious Education Staff, Facilities Manager, or designee. (Those responsible for all the groups)

Incident Leader: Parish Business Manager, Pastor, Pastoral Assistant or Director of Faith Formation. (Those responsible for the care and safety of those occupying the building)

2.2 Frequency of Training on the Emergency Response Plan

Training and re-training will be performed at least annually for all employees and when employment begins for new employees. Specific training in the tasks described in the ERP is

available in person and on line.

Each ministry group must schedule a time with the Parish Business Manager to train individuals within their committee on the ERP.

In January of each year, Parish Committee Leaders will schedule a Safety and Security Training Presentation for their respective committees. Coordination will be through the Safety and Security Committee Chair.

First Aid/CPR/AED – Training for these courses will be provided by County Fire/EMS Safety/Red Cross. The Parish Business Manager will arrange classes throughout the year and notify individual ministries of the times. A list of certified individuals and expiration dates of their certifications will be maintained by the Parish Business Manager.

2.3 Conducting Emergency Response Plan Drills

ERP Drills are a key component of preparedness. Not only do they familiarize individuals in charge with what to do in an emergency, they allow for untrained individuals, particularly volunteers and children, to understand emergency procedures. There are few situations at the church where individuals are present on a regular basis. Although Mass is regularly attended, it is not suitable for conducting drills during mass due to its sacred nature and the duration of time individuals are present for the service. However, a Fire Evacuation Drill can be implemented after the closing prayer. Training for ushers, greeters, priests, deacons, and sacristans will include a mock evacuation drill of the church and sheltering-in-place.

Drills will be conducted on an annual basis for parish staff, ushers, religious education, and youth ministry. Religious education and youth ministry host a high number of children on a regular basis throughout the year. Therefore, they must receive special attention during drills.

An annual drill could help prevent confusion during a real emergency. Upon completion of each drill, a formal evaluation of performance must be made. If possible, drills should include local first responder services such as fire and police departments.

3. Response (Implementation of the Emergency Response Plan)

ERP activities include; Prevention, Preparedness and Training, Emergency Notification Procedures, Implementation of Emergency Actions, Procedures for Specific Types of Emergency Situations, Utility Shutdown Procedures, Communications, and Recovery. The nature of the response will depend on the characteristics and requirements of the situation. The ERP will be activated to cope with the specific situation and each element will operate per the provisions of the ERP. Priority will be given to the following operations:

· Contacting outside emergency response resources such as Police/Fire/911

· Surveying and evaluating the emergency situation

· Disseminate information, warnings, emergency response actions

· Ensure the proper protocols for conducting Evacuation, Shelter-in-Place, or Lock-Down

· Ensure areas have been fully Evacuated or Sheltered-in-Place

· Ensure the proper accounting of all occupants are being accomplished

· Provide and or direct care and treatment of injuries

· Direct response personnel to essential areas of concern and or injured persons

· Provide direction and control of people and site traffic

· Assist Religious Education Staff in accounting for and care of children

· Assist Religious Education Staff in contacting parents of children

· Providing information to parents of children

· Assist in reunification of parents of children

4. Emergency Procedure

4.1 Notificatio

Keep calm

Call 911 if there is a life-threatening situation, or if there is a potential of any situation to become life threatening. Do not hang up on the 911 Operator unless instructed to doQuickly evaluate the situation and determine the need for additional outside assistance.

· Notify 911 Operator of the incident address:

o Church Office: 1125 St Michael’s Road Mount Airy, MD 21771

o Rectory: 1200 St Michael’s Road Mount Airy, MD 21771

o Small Church: 1200 St. Michael’s Road on the corner of Hardy Road

o Other, if incident occurs off-site

Notify the 911 Operator of the following:

· Type of Emergency

· Number of persons injured or missing

· Any other helpful details

Determine immediate protective action(s) that may be required. Additional information for each of these steps and procedures is provided in the following sections.

4.2 Types of Emergency

The first step in responding to an emergency is to determine the type of emergency that has occurred. Procedures for the different types of emergencies are provided below. When identifying, or investigating any suspicious activities, complaints, or potentially hazardous situations, always employ the use of the buddy system.

Caution: Never investigate, confront, or respond alone. If you see, hear, or smell something, tell someone else.

· Medical Emergency

o Make a quick assessment of the situation, call others for assistance, determine the severity, call 911, continue to asses and provide Basic First Aid commensurate with your abilities.

· Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct, domestic disputes or a suspicious person may involve an individual exhibiting threatening, suspicious or irrational behavior.

If the person is threatening harm to him/herself or others:

o Call for assistance and Call 911

o Keep children and others away from the situation

o Attempt to calm the situation until police arrive

o Attempt to keep a safe distance a table or object between you and the individual

o Have someone meet the police when they arrive.

o If you are alone, remain on the 911 call and create distance from yourself and the subject.

· Fire on Church property

o Assess the situation, determine the severity and if applicable extinguish the cause.

o If not, call 911, pull alarms, evacuate the building to the designated areas, clear zones, account for children and communicate your status to higher authority.

· Armed Assault or Intruder

o Aviod, Hide, Fight

· Hazardous Material Release: Biological, Chemical, or Radioactive

o Call 911, Shelter-in-Place, turn off HVAC

· Bomb Threat

o Call 911, if instructed to do so, evacuate the building to Emergency Evacuation Area #4.

· Downed Power Lines

o Call 911 and Lock Down Building

· Earthquake

o Evacuate Building

· Fire in Surrounding Area

o Call 911 and Lock Down Building

A quick evaluation of most situations will help to determine the need for additional outside assistance.

4.2.1 Getting the Attention of Others

Anyone involved with an active role in implementing the ERP will be issued, carry, and know how to use a referee whistle.

Referee whistles have proven to be very effective at alerting others and preventing and saving others from danger. They also alert others to an emergency, which is the primary use for our referee (emergency) whistle.

Simple and effective, an emergency whistle, when blown repeatedly, will alert other staff, religious education teachers, parking lot attendants, ushers, priests, and those attending religious education and their parents, that an emergency exists.

At St. Michael's, we view the simple, effective, and useful whistle as an easy way to identify an emergency, alert others to the situation, and to create safety. All staff and volunteers will be instructed in this simple safety measure during their safety training.

4.3 Implementation of the Emergency Response Plan

Once the type and extent of the emergency has been identified, staff personnel can determine if an immediate ERP action is required. The most common immediate actions initiated are for medical emergencies, where basic first responder actions and notifications are required.

Other emergencies such as an interior or exterior fire, bomb threat, weather event, local criminal activity, or direct assault on the parish itself and the occupants, require the implementation of the ERP: Evacuation, Shelter-in-Place, or Lock-Down. After all emergency (if applicable) an Emergencies Incident report should be completed to document the facts as remembered at the time and it will help in the writing the after-action report on the incident. (See Appendix F)

4.3.1 Medical Emergencies

The most common immediate actions initiated are for medical emergencies, where basic first responder actions and notifications are required. Individuals trained in the ERP Training will be better equipped and well prepared for reacting to, and assisting with basic medical emergencies.

Basic First Responder actions such as calling others for assistance, dialing (911) and providing the operator with the nature of the circumstances and/or injury will enhance the overall response. Information such as the individuals; age, sex, consciousness, responsiveness, statements of known pre-existing conditions, current medications and other information obtained is crucial to the responding Fire/EMS.

Designate one individual to meet with and escort EMS as they arrive at the church. This will save time, when time may be critical.

4.3.2 Disruptive Behavior, Domestic Disputes, or Disorderly Persons

Studies show that persons suffering with mental instabilities and/or illness will most often turn to the church before anywhere else for comfort, guidance, and practical help.

Disorderly conduct, domestic disputes or a suspicious person may involve an individual exhibiting threatening, suspicious or irrational behavior. When dealing with persons displaying this type of behavior, it is critical to quickly determine if the individual poses a threat.

If the person is threatening harm to him/herself or others:

· Call for assistance

· Call 911

· Keep children and others away from them

· Attempt to calm the situation until police or other assistance arrives

· Attempt to keep a safe distance and a table or another large object between you and the individual

Have someone from the group go and meet the police when they arrive. If you are alone, remain on the 911 call and create distance from yourself and the subject.

If the situation escalates into a physical confrontation, there is safety in numbers. However, apply only the amount of force necessary to stop the aggressor’s behavior.

Caution: Never become the aggressor.

4. 3.3 Evacuation - (Fire/Smoke Alarm or Bomb Threat/Suspicious Package)

4.3.3.1 Fire/Smoke Alarm

This ERP of action is used most often during the reports of fire, or the activation of interior fire alarms. A Full Evacuation of the entire parish will be enacted during any situation where remaining inside of the building becomes, or has the potential to become hazardous to the occupants.

The Saint Michael Incident Leader or Mass Lead will give the command to evacuate the building. The Incident Leader will call 911 and provide the exact location, nature of emergency and number of known victims. Another staff/volunteer member will use the following announcement on the Public Address (PA) system. If the PA system is not available, use another means of communication, such as their loud voice, to deliver instructions.

This staff/volunteer must be calm and give clear directions.

“Your attention please. At this time, we are calling for the Full Evacuation of the building. Please Evacuate the Building. All Emergency Response Staff Members please identify yourselves, lead others to the Emergency Evacuation Areas and take attendance.”

During an interior fire/smoke alarm, all staff and volunteers must take immediate Emergency Actions to evacuate their group/class or gathering out of the premises to predesignated areas (See Evacuation Maps in Appendix G) and take attendance.

· Staff and Volunteers will be mindful of those who are physically handicapped, elderly, or in need of special assistance.

· Do NOT use elevators.

· Do NOT go to your cars

· Follow evacuation maps posted in class room or gathering areas.

· Proceed to the nearest safe aisle or hallway to exit.

· Proceed directly to predesignated evacuation areas

· While evacuating, look for other personnel who may be injured or unaware of the situation.

4.3.3.2 Power Failure during an Evacuation

During a power failure or darkness, use emergency kit flashlights and light sticks to direct people to the evacuation area. Emergency kits will be available in each room of the building and maintained for functionality. Emergency kits contain Chem light, note pad and pen/pencil, class roster, Safety Card, and whistle

· Assemble outside the facility in the predesignated areas.

· Take attendance. Account for all individuals once assembled in the designated areas.

· Follow all instructions from the fire department and police.

· Do NOT go back into the building.

· Re-enter only after the all-clear is given by the fire department.

If any individual sees fire or detects smoke, the following actions must be taken:

· If there is no immediate danger to yourself or others, use the nearest fire extinguishers to fight the fire. (See Appendix I.)

· Pull the closest fire alarm to initiate building evacuation. (Appendix I)

· If there is an immediate danger, exit the building using the closest evacuation route. (Appendix G)

Call 911 and report the following:

· The street address and building location of the fire.

· The suspected cause location and status of the fire.

· Your name and phone number.

Following the safe evacuation of individuals to the predesignated evacuation areas, (Appendix G).

Attendance is a priority to account for all children.

· Team Leaders will advise the Zone Leaders on the status of the class attendance.

· Zone Leaders will advise the Incident Leader of the status of their zones after exiting the building.

· The Incident Leader will account for the status of each zone.

Any individual that is identified as missing, the Incident Leader will assign two adult volunteers to return to the classroom areas - if it is safe to do so - and search for the missing individual(s). Make sure an adult remains in charge of the children at all times in the evacuation area.

If no fire or smoke is obvious and if it’s safe to do so, the Saint Michael Incident Leader will take measures to coordinate the inspection of the facilities for the cause of the alarm.

All Trained Members should instruct everybody to NOT go to their cars, in order to keep the roads and intersections clear for emergency vehicles. The roads leading to St. Michael Church are narrow and could cause a delay in those responding to the emergency. Furthermore, children will appear from behind cars and drivers will be distracted.

4.3.3.3 Hazardous Materials Released

4.3.3.3.1 Inside a Room, Building or Localized Area

· Call “911” and provide the exact location, nature of emergency and number of known victims.

· The Incident Leader will initiate the EVACUATE BUILDING action as described in Section 4.3.5 Staff will use designated routes or other alternative safe routes to an assigned Assembly Area, located upwind or uphill of the affected room or building.

· Isolate and restrict access to potentially contaminated areas.

· Turn off local fans in the area of the release, close the windows and doors, and shut down the air handling system of the affected building(s).

· Persons who have come into direct contact with the hazardous material should immediately remove and contain contaminated clothes and then wash affected areas with soap and water. Do not use bleach or other disinfectants on potentially exposed skin. Individuals that have been contaminated “topically” by a liquid should be segregated from unaffected individuals (isolation does not apply to widespread airborne releases). A member of the First Aid/Medical Team should assess the need for medical attention.

· Prepare a list of all people in the affected room or contaminated area, specifying those who may have had actual contact with the hazardous material.

· Provide the list to the Incident Leader and the emergency response personnel.

· Any affected areas will not be reopened until the Health Dept. or appropriate agency provides clearance and the Incident Leader gives authorization to do so.

4.3.3.3.2 Hazardous Material Released in Surrounding Community

· Call “911” and provide the exact location, nature of emergency and number of known victims.

· If local authorities determine a potentially hazardous material has been released to the atmosphere, the Incident Leader will initiate SHELTER-IN-PLACE as described in Section 4.3.4

· Turn off local fans in the area; close and lock doors and windows; shut down all buildings’ air handling systems; seal gaps under doors and windows with wet towels or duct tape; seal vents with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, if available; and turn off sources of ignition such as pilot lights.

· Staff must be directed to proceed immediately to a designated area.

· Turn on a radio or television station to monitor information concerning the incident

· Remain in a SHELTER-IN-PLACE condition until appropriate agency provides clearance or staff is otherwise notified by the Incident Leader.

4.3.3.3 Bomb Threat or Suspicious Package

Another situation where the ERP of Action would call for a building evacuation could be the result of a bomb threat or the discovery of a suspicious package on the property of Saint Michael Church.

Response to a Bomb Threat is initiated upon the discovery of a suspicious package on parish grounds, or upon receipt of a threatening phone call or letter that may present the presence of an explosive device or risk of an explosion.

If the threat is received by telephone, the person receiving the call must attempt to keep the caller on the telephone as long as possible and fill out the Bomb Threat Checklist (Appendix A).

Note: Speak loudly so other staff members become aware of the threat or ask someone else to call 911

· Telling the operator, “This is [state name] from Saint Michael Catholic Church.

· We are receiving a bomb threat on another line.

· The number of that line is [state phone number].”

· Do not hang up on 911 operator until instructed to do so.

· Remain Calm and do not hang up, even if the caller does

· Listen carefully. Be Polite and show interest

· Try to keep the caller talking to learn more information

· If your phone has a display, write the number down

· Complete the Bomb Threat Checklist

The person answering the threat call should ask the following questions, record the answers on the checklist and immediately notify another for assistance or to make the call to 911.

· Where is the bomb located?

· When will it go off?

· What does it look like?

· What will cause it to explode?

· What kind of bomb is it?

· Did you place the bomb?

· What is your name?

· Why are you doing this?

· What can we do for you to avoid the bomb from exploding?

· How can you be contacted?

· Complete the St. Michael’s Emergency Message Form (See Appendix E.)

Listen for background noises that might tell you where the caller is calling from and write down any details about the person’s voice. Call 911 if you haven’t already done so and provide the exact location, nature of emergency and information learned from the call.

The Emergency Response Action to call for the Evacuation of the building will be made by the Saint Michael Incident Leader, taking into consideration all circumstances and professional advice from the 911 Operator. The Incident Leader will act as the liaison with local law enforcement to determine the appropriate actions.

If the Incident Leader determines that an Evacuation is required, the above listed protocols for a Fire/Smoke Alarm Evacuation will be followed. In the event of an evacuation, staff must immediately lead people to safety and facilitate accountability and attendance.

Activities will not resume until the affected areas have been inspected by proper law enforcement authorities and determined to be safe. The Police or Fire Department will give the Incident Leader the ALL CLEAR for re-entering of the building.

If a suspicious package is located by a member of the parish DO NOT:

· Investigate, move, or touch the package, object or device

· Use a two-way radio in the vicinity of the package/object

· Call others towards the package

If a suspicious package is located by a member of the parish DO:

· Move away from the package, object or device

· Keep others away from the area

Call 911 from a land line

If warranted and advised by local law enforcement to conduct an Off-Site Evacuation, all staff and volunteers will be advised to respond to the pre-designated Off-Site Evacuation area of the small church.

4.3.4 Shelter-In-Place

Shelter-In-Place procedures for the entire parish will be enacted during any situation where evacuating the building, or remaining in the current areas of the building could cause a potential health and safety risk to the occupants. This could be caused by a major weather event that has the potential to become hazardous. The Incident Leader or Mass Lead during mass will give the command to Shelter-In-Place.

This action is taken to provide a greater level of protection to the occupants of the building during a weather-related event. Events such as a tornados or hurricanes could result in structural damage to the building, or flying debris and shattered glass and therefore, endangering the occupants therein.

Designated Shelter-In-Place refuge areas are provided on the ERP maps located in each classroom and gathering area. (See also SIP Maps – Appendix H) Staff and Volunteers are trained in where those areas are located within the building.

If leading a group during an outdoor activity, the staff member or volunteer must immediately seek shelter within the building in a pre-designated Shelter-In-Place Area.

As in all emergency procedures, once the group leader has arrived in a designated Shelter-in-Place refuge area, attendance must be taken immediately.

4.3.5 Lock-Down

Avoid, Deny, Defend (Run, Hide, Fight)

This action is taken when the threat of violence has been identified, such as an active shooter.

If an active shooter situation were to occur while the Sacred Mass is being offered, those nearest the exits must immediately exit the church and run if they can. Those unable to run to an exit must Hide.

Greeters, Ushers, and those who are able, should immediately take physical action against the shooter and Defend in an attempt to stop the aggression, using any objects available to them to throw and distract the shooter’s attention while others take the offensive.

An Incident Leader, or any member of the staff, must either call 911 or quickly assign someone to call and clearly provide the exact location, nature of emergency, description of the subject(s) and number of known victims. Any member of staff will make the immediate announcement of a Lock-Down if the situation is warranted.

If a PA system is not available, they will use the sound of their voice to communicate instructions. Once the "Lock-Down" directive is initiated, staff members are to implement the “AVOID, DENY, DEFEND” protocols.

When the “Lock-Down” is implemented, it is important for staff members to assess their surroundings to check for children or other people in the immediate area and Avoid – Deny - Defend. Staff members will immediately close, lock, and barricade doors, turn off lights and cover windows. Staff and occupants will remain barricaded in their office or in a secure area until further instructions are given by law enforcement. Do not open the door or think it is “ok” to look around. Lock-Down and stay out of sight and quiet.

Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life during a "Lock-Down" emergency.

Having been alerted to the "Lock-Down" quickly assess whether it is reasonable to AVIOD, or to HIDE, or to FIGHT.

a) AVOID-(Evacuate)

If there is an accessible escape path, AVOID - GET OUT! Evacuate the premises leading others, regardless of agreement, out of the building immediately! When safely outside and a safe distance away, call 911 from behind cover (i.e. vehicle) and provide the address, the situation, and your name.

Do not hang up on 911.

· Prior to the emergency, be sure to have an escape route and plan in mind

· Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow

· Leave your belongings behind

· Help others escape, if possible

· Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be

· Keep your hands visible

· Follow the instructions of any police officers or other authority

· Do not attempt to move wounded people unless absolutely necessary

Call 911 when you are safely and outside of the building

b) DENY-HIDE

If Avoiding and evacuating the area is not possible, find a place to Hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you.

Your hiding place:

· Be out of the active shooter’s view

· Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e., an office with a closed and locked door, concrete walls, metal cabinet)

· Do not trap yourself or restrict your options for movement

To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place:

· Lock the door

· Blockade and barricade the door with heavy furniture

If the active shooter is nearby:

· Lock the door

· Silence your cell phone or any other device

· Turn off any source of noise (i.e., radios, televisions)

· Hide behind large items (i.e., cabinets, desks)

· Remain quiet

c) DEFEND- (Active shooter)

If evacuation and hiding out are not possible:

· Remain calm

· Dial 911, if possible, to alert police to the active shooter’s location

· If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen

As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:

· Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her

· Throwing items (books, papers, pens, vases, chairs, etc.) and improvising weapons

· Yelling at the aggressor while fighting back

· Committing to your action!

· If you are with others, coordinate and rush the shooter at once while acting aggressively as possible and using any items available to distract the shooter during your offence.

If an active shooter situation were to occur while the Sacred Mass is being offered, those nearest the exits must immediately exit the church and Avoid. Alert others. If possible, call 911.

Greeters, ushers and those able should immediately take physical action against the shooter in an attempt to stop the aggression.

5. All Clear

This action is taken to notify staff that normal operations can resume after an emergency has been declared. The determination will be made after consult with Law Enforcement and Fire personnel.

An Incident Leader, or staff, must use the following announcement on the PA system.

Note: If the PA system is not available, they will use other means of communication to deliver instructions.

“YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE. All CLEAR, IT IS NOW SAFE TO RETURN TO YOUR OFFICE AND RESUME NORMAL OPERATIONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.”

This action signifies the immediate emergency is over, however the recovery from the emergency does continue.

6. Rental use of Church Facilities

The Parish Business Manager will add an addendum to the contracts relating the Emergency Response procedures identified in the plan.

7. Recovery

Parish operations must return to normal as soon as possible.

For large scale emergencies, the parish staff, working with the Archdiocese of Baltimore, will coordinate the recovery of the physical condition of the parish property and structures. The parish staff and designated volunteers will also coordinate with appropriate local, state, federal, and American Red Cross officials to coordinate the implementation of assistance programs and establish support priorities.

Smaller emergencies must also follow into the Recovery phase to restore order, identify and document what happened, and support those affected by the emergency.

The post-emergency period has six primary objectives, which may overlap.

These objectives are:

· Uniting family members

· Restoration of parish services

· Permanent restoration of parish property

· Identification of residual hazards

· Plans to mitigate future hazards

· Recovery of costs associated with response and recovery efforts

7. Incident Critique

After an incident, creating Lessons Learned is an effective way to improve ERP and procedures. By conducting a post incident critique with interested parties, volunteers, staff/employees and responders; the Safety and Security Committee can evaluate the effectiveness of the response and identify areas that need improvement.

Ideally, the incident critique will be moderated by personnel who are:

· Experienced and knowledgeable in emergency response.

· Not directly involved in the actual incident

8. Emergency Equipment Procedures

8.1 Fire Extinguishers Locations

· Church:

· Parish Hall: Kitchen and Hallways

· Gym Kitchen and Hallway

How to Use

· Pull pin from nozzle

· Hold unit upright

· Free hose if necessary and aim at base of fire, standing back 6’ – 8’ from fire

· Squeeze lever and sweep side to side at the base of the fire

8.2 Fire Alarm and Suppression System

The alarm system sensors are automatic, detecting abnormal heat levels. No manual intervention is required to activate them.

Manual pull alarms are located throughout the parish center and church if necessary.

The Parish Business Manager, Facilities Manager and Father Mike have access to a system panel.

8.3 Utility Shutdown Procedures

a) Air Conditioning, Heat and Electric

In the event of smoke, fire or electrocution, the air conditioning and electrical system should be turned off as soon as it is safe to do so to prevent the spread of toxic smoke and fumes throughout the premises.

The main power shut off is in the lower level by the fire panel near pump room.

Individual roof top unit shut offs RTU’s are also on the panel in this area for RTU 1,

RTU2, RTU3

If power shut off is needed only for the Church Sanctuary, Narthex and parish offices, there is a shut off switch in the for the AC and Heat located in the panel inside the Electric Room off the Narthex.

b) Water

The water shut-off valve is located: In the storage area off the Fellowship Hall Kitchen (Old Kitchen) Shut off via the breaker switch to the well pump.

c) Gas

The gas shut-off valve is located: Two storage tanks outside of the Kitchen in the lower level.

For the stoves in the Kitchen, the RED shut off button is on the panel to the right of the convection oven.

Appendix A: Bomb Threat Checklist

Appendix B: Emergency Contact Directory

Name	Position	Phone Numbers	E-Mail

Appendix C Emergency Contact Numbers


Emergency
Non Emergency
Rectory


Law /fire
	Howard County Police
	Lisbon Fire Department
Utilities	Potomac Edison

Gas	AmeriGas

Alarm Company	Westminster Security


Red Cross	American Red Cross of Central Maryland

Appendix D: New Staff / Volunteer Safety Orientation Training

Name:

Position or function:

Location:

Days/Time:

Full-time employee Part-Time employee Volunteer Adult Minor

Check all applicable areas:

Injury and Illness Prevention Plan

Accident Reporting Policy

Fire Extinguisher Locations and Use

Defibrillator Locations & Procedure

Safe Lifting Techniques

First Aid Training and Certification

CPR Training and Certification

Evacuation Procedures

Location of Postings (Emergency Contact Names and Numbers, Designated Evacuation Routes, Designated “Safe Areas”, Copies of ERP

I have read, understand, and agree to follow all safety and health policies and procedures, as discussed with me on this date,

Signed

Appendix E: St. Michael’s Emergency Incident Message Form

Type of Emergency:
From:	Email:	Phone:
To:	Email:	Phone:
Time and Date:

Description

Action Taken

Appendix F: Points for a Post-Incident Management Critique

The following subjects and discussion points should be used as guidelines for conducting a post incident critique with involved parties, employees and responders. The Parish Business Manager will coordinate and assign a moderator for the Lessons Learned post-incident session and report.

The question “How can our emergency response process be improved?” must be asked for each subject under the post-incident critique. Through a detailed investigation and post incident critique, procedures, training and plan revisions can be identified and implemented for a more effective emergency response program.

Detection

Was the emergency detected promptly? How was it detected? By whom? Could it have been detected earlier? How? Are any instruments or procedures available to consider, which might aid in earlier detection of the incident?

Notification Were proper procedures followed in notifying government agencies? Were notifications prompt? Was management notified promptly? Were personnel notified promptly? If so, why, how and who? If not, why not? Were contact numbers up to date?

Assessment/Evaluation Was the magnitude of the problem assessed correctly at the start? What means were used for this assessment? Are any guides or aids needed to assist emergency evaluation? What sources of information were available on winds, on water currents and other variables? Is our information adequate?

Mobilization What steps were taken to mobilize countermeasures to the emergency? What resources were used? Was mobilization prompt? Could the response time improve? How? What about mobilization of labor resources? Was it appropriate to mobilize Company resources and was this promptly initiated? What other Company resources are available, and have they been identified and used adequately?

Response Strategy Was there an ERP available for reference? Was it flexible enough to cope with unexpected events? Does the plan include clear understanding of local environmental, political or human sensitivities? What was the initial strategy for response to this emergency? Is this strategy defined in the ERP? How did the strategy evolve and change during the emergency and how were these changes implemented?

Response Resources Used What resources were mobilized? How were they mobilized? How did resource utilization change with time? Why? Were resources used effectively? What changes would have been useful? Do we have adequate knowledge of resource availability?

Response Effectiveness Was the response effective? Prompt?

Command Structure Who was initially in charge of responding to the emergency? What sort of organization was initially set up? How did this change with time? Why? What changes would have been useful? Was there adequate monitoring of the incident? Were communications adequate? Was support from financial services adequate? Prompt? Should financial procedures be developed to handle such incidents?

Public Relations How were relations with the media handled? With the public? What problems were encountered? How could public outcry have been reduced? Was it serious? Would it be useful to undertake a public information effort to “educate” reporters about emergencies and their effects?

Appendix G: Evacuation and Zone Maps, Evacuation Areas Map, Evacuation during the Sacred Mass

Appendix H: Shelter-in-Place Maps

Appendix I: Location of Extinguishers, Fire Pull Alarms, and First Aid Kits

Appendix J Pre School Organization and Assignment of Responsibilities

Basic Information

Facility Name

Address

Preschool Main Phone

Church Main Phone

Facility Main Contact

Facility Additional Contact

Location of Emergency Evacuation Items:

1. White personal drawstring bags in student cubbies

2. First Aid Kit on wall next to outside door (A110) , Red Emergency Folder inside First Aid Kit, Daily Attendance Sheet located on shelf inside classroom door

Shelter in Place location: Library storage/copy room located inside library

Evacuation on-site location: St. Michael’s Church, original building located across St. Michaels Rd Evacuation off-site location: Lisbon Volunteer Fire Station 1330 Woodbine Rd. Woodbine MD 21797

Emergency Contact Information

Fire/Police/Ambulance

Local Police Station

State Police

Local Fire Station

Hospital

Poison Control Center

St Michael Church Facilities

St Michael Business Mgr

Shelter In Place Procedures

1. Shelter in Place location: Library storage/copy room inside library.

2. Turn off classroom lights.

3. Take walkie-talkie, first aid kit (with emergency folder attached) and current daily attendance sheet.

4. Line up children with one teacher in front and one teacher in back.

5. IF all children are accounted for and in line, the front teacher calls “Ready” and the back teacher responds “Ready”.

6. Lines move quickly and quietly to the shelter in place location.

7. Front teacher immediately counts children as they enter the location.

8. Back teacher confirms count.

9. If there are any discrepancies, the front teacher uses cell phone to communicate discrepancy to the director or person in charge.

10. Remain in shelter until further instructions are given by director or local authorities.

11. When shelter in place is concluded, return to the classroom by using the same line-up method as outlined above.

12. Front teacher immediately counts children as they return to the classroom.

13. Back teacher confirms count.

14. If there are any discrepancies, the front teacher uses cell phone to communicate discrepancy to the director or person in charge.

15. All children should remain on the carpet until “All Clear” is called.

Evacuation Plan-On site

1. On-site Evacuation Location: Old Church, across St. Michaels Rd.

2. Turn off classroom lights and make sure door is locked.

3. Take cell phone, building keys, first aid kit (with emergency folder attached) and current daily attendance sheet.

4. Line up children with one teacher in front and one teacher in back.

5. IF all children are accounted for and in line, the front teacher calls “Ready” and the back teacher responds “Ready”.

6. Lines move quickly and quietly to the on-site evacuation location.

7. Front teacher immediately counts children as they enter the location.

8. Back teacher confirms count.

9. If there are any discrepancies, the front teacher uses cell phone to communicate discrepancy to the director or person in charge.

10. Remain in place until further instructions are given by director or local authorities.

11. When evacuation-on site is concluded, return to the classroom by using the same line-up method as outlined above.

12. Front teacher immediately counts children as they return to the classroom to sit on the carpet.

13. Back teacher confirms count.

14. If there are any discrepancies, the front teacher uses cell phone to communicate discrepancy to the director or person in charge.

15. All children should remain on the carpet until “All Clear” is called.

Evacuation Plan-off site

This plan is only used in the event of dangerous or hazardous conditions on the campus of St. Michael, therefore requiring the evacuation of the preschool to another location.

1. Off-site Evacuation Location: Lisbon Volunteer Fire Department

2. Director will call ahead to Lisbon Volunteer Fire Department 410-489-4646.

3. Turn off classroom lights and lock doors.

4. Take cell phone, car keys, building keys, first aid kit (with emergency folder attached) and current daily attendance sheet.

5. Line up children with one teacher in front and one teacher in back.

6. IF all children are accounted for and in line, the front teacher calls “Ready” and the back teacher responds “Ready”.

7. The preschool will move quickly and quietly to the off-site location via director vehicle.

8. Front teacher immediately counts children as they enter the vehicle.

9. Back teacher confirms count.

10. If there are any discrepancies, the front teacher uses cell phone to immediately communicate discrepancy to the director or person in charge.

11. Drive to evacuation site: Located at 1330 Woodbine Rd. Woodbine MD. Turn left onto

12. Front teacher to count all children upon arrival at evacuation site.

13. Back teacher confirms count.

14. If there are any discrepancies, the front teacher uses cell phone to immediately communicate discrepancy to the director or person in charge.

15. Remain at evacuation site until further instructions are given by director or local authorities.

16. When evacuation-off site is concluded, return to the classroom by using the same line-up/count method as outlined above.

17. Front teacher immediately counts children as they return to the classroom to sit on the carpet.

18. Back teacher confirms count.

19. If there are any discrepancies, the front teacher uses cell phone to immediately communicate discrepancy to the director or person in charge.

20. All children should remain on the carpet until “All Clear” is called.

Reunification with Parents

If St. Michael Preschool has evacuated to Lisbon Volunteer Fire Company, parents will be notified via phone and email. In order to reunify safely, the director and staff will notify parents via phone and email when it is safe to pick up their children.

Staff will remain on campus or at emergency location until all children have been safely picked up.

In the event of an emergency where the parents cannot get to the child, other arrangements for safety will be made, including the child and staff remaining at Lisbon Volunteer Fire Company. Staff will call other parties listed on the child’s emergency card for further authorized pick up people. Staff and parent will work together for successful reunification.

9/12/2019

May We Never Forget the Lessons of September 11

May We Never Forget the Lessons of September 11th, 2001

by Mount Airy, MD Mayor Patrick Rockinberg

For a video news report of the event, see here.

On September 11, 2001 America started its day, like any other day.

Many were having their morning coffee, getting their kids off to school, commuting to work or had just arrived at work.

At 8:46 a.m., a commercial airliner, Flight 11, hit the World Trade Center North Tower. News about the catastrophe spread quickly, but the origins were as yet unknown to most Americans.

The second plane, Flight 175, hit the World Trade Center South Tower at 9:03 am and at 9:37 am a third plane crashed into the Pentagon.

At 9:42 am, for the first time in American history, the Federal Aviation Administration grounded all flights in the continental United States.

In Washington, D.C., amid rumors of other attacks, the White House, Capitol, and other high profile public buildings were evacuated.

At 10:07, after the heroic actions of the passengers to attempt to take back the plane, a 4^th plane, Flight 93, crashed into a field in Pennsylvania.

At this time there was no doubt that this was a calculated act of barbarism the likes of which had not been seen since the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7^th, 1941.

Some may regret never saying I love you — or — they may be thankfuul that they did. For thousands of Americans. their loved ones would never see noon of that day. We had no idea the lives of all Americans would be changed forever.

Like other dates that live in infamy. most Americans can remember where they were during these attacks.

I was within site distance of the Pentagon and could see the thick black smoke bellowing into the sky.

I remember walking the floors of my building when I heard of the first plane strike.

Traffic in Washington, D.C. became gridlocked.

I knew this because, to assess the situation, I was dispatched to the top of my commercial office building next to the U.S. Senate buildings and across the river from the Pentagon.

Parents frantically rushed to pick up children from school. A nationwide sense of vulnerability never felt before immediately filled our hearts and minds.

No one knew how many more acts of terrorism would take place… or where.

I’ve never witnessed that kind of exodus, except perhaps in a sci-fi movie where a city was under a fictitious attack. But this was not a fictitious attack, it was real.

By one p.m. Washington D.C. was a ghost town.

I drove straight home traveling along the George Washington Parkway and past the black smoke still coming from the Pentagon.

The smoke lingered into the following day as I returned to work.

Americans huddled around their TVs to watch and re-watch the attacks.

As clean-up efforts continued, we followed the latest news religiously for weeks.

Having only seen the smoke and devastation from a safe distance, I cannot comprehend what the victims and first responders experienced.

Something was taken from each of us that day beyond the precious lives of the victims of those heinous acts upon our country and even beyond the lives that were later lost due to injuries, hazardous materials and chemical inhalation.

The entire country suffered a loss in one way or another.

In retrospect, however, I believe we gained something as well.

That is what America does.

We didn’t turn the other cheek or cower.

We would not remain victims of this day. We forged ahead, stared evil straight in the eye and became even stronger.

The terrorists wanted to destroy us.

What they accomplished instead was to unify the nation in that we have an occasion, every year to remember why we treasure life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness while they treasure death!

On December 18, 2001 Congress approved naming September 11 as Patriot Day.

In the months and years that followed, the perpetrators have been brought to justice and our nation is stronger than ever!!!

Let us remember and honor our local heroes from Mt. Airy that perished that day, United States Navy Lieutenant Commander Ronald James Vauk and United States Army Chief Warrant Officer William R. Ruth, and their families.

Both men gave their last full measure when they died in the Pentagon attack. Interestingly, both were not even scheduled to work that day but volunteered for two co-workers, one of whom could not work due to pregnancy complications.

Let us also remember the sacrifices of our first responders, many of whom also later became victims and gave their lives.

The terrorist never took away our American spirit. Instead, they made us stronger, they bought us closer, and they united us even more!!!

In effect, they failed in their evil mission.

Thank you for coming today, for remembering.

God bless you.

God bless Mount Airy.

God bless America.

On this Patriot’s Day, may we never forget the lessons of September 11^th, 2001.

Additional 911 Mt. Airy memorial services may be found here:
https://poetslife.blogspot.com/2016/09/2016-911-patriot-day-ceremony.html
https://poetslife.blogspot.com/2013/09/we-have-new-life-now.html

For additional resources, see here.

And let's remember why this date was chosen.

8/08/2019

Learning to Believe in Fairy Forts

In the summer of 1975 I hitchhiked through Ireland for 3 weeks on $78.00. I stayed at youth hostels. I wrote this story when I returned. In June of 2019 I went back to Ireland with my family. I rediscovered this story story when I returned. I'll let you determine if this story really happened.

Mr. Finneran was a short man with thick shoulders and large calloused hands from decades of farming. I first met him in Glanmire, Ireland in 1975 when I stayed at the Irish youth hostel he ran.

When I arrived at his hostel, I put my backpack upstairs near my bunk and headed downstairs for a meal. I had walked over fifteen miles that day. Every muscle was screaming for food and drink and then to rest.

The hostel had plenty of foot and drink, but the deep rest I needed would escape me that night.

When I walked into the kitchen, Mr. Finneran was telling a saying to a German family.

″If there is a tree in the middle of a field, you’d best leave it be, for faires live there.″

The father of the German family replied, ″Augh,...surely you don’t expect me to Believe zat one, heah? You Irish tell zum pretty tall tales but zat one is zee best I’ve heard yet?″

Mr. Finneran contained.

″ When we told the same fact to the American businessman who was here last year trying to set up a factory, he laughed the same way ya are right now. But after the fairies were done with him and his family, they didn’t laugh.″

The German winked at his two sons and smiled to his wife and laughed.

My plate of stew, milk, dark bread, butter, biscuits and pudding arrived. I was famished, and sat at Mr. Finneran’s table and began to eat.

Mr. Finneran stared at the Germans and went on.

″That American businessman came here hoping to build some kind of factory. Well, he hired a number of the local boys to operate the tractors he brought in from Dublin. He told them where to start. And where was that?″

″Nothing less than a fairy fort, bigger than any tree in this area, right in the middle of a fine field, sitting right over the very spot where the American businessman thinks he’s going to build a factory.″

″Being smart boys, they knew better than to destroy the home of the fairies and bring a curse down on them and their families. So, naturally, they refused to cut down the tree and told the American so.″

I was half way through my stew and bread and enjoying his story more and more.

But the Germans, to judge by their facial expessions to each other, were skeptical.

Mr. Finneran continued.

″When the boys told the American businessman that they weren’t about to touch a fairy fort. The American businessman starts laughing like some of you are laughing at me right now.″

″Then he says, ‶You people need a lesson in reality!″″

″He jumps on one of the big Ford tractors he brought down from Dublin, starts it up, and starts to head righ for the tree.″

″The boys all began to walk away because they did not want any part of it.″

″Not the American businessman. He heads right for the fairies home, laughing as he does so. He’s calling to the boys they they’re superstitious. He strikes the tree, backs up, and strikes it again.“

″It took him just minutes to push over the fairy fort tree and rip it out by its roots. Well, once he gets done he drives over to Flanagan’s where he knew the boys would be having a pint. He offered to pay for the next round, but the boys all turned their backs to him. They knew what was about to happen, and they didn’t want to be near him.″

″He had a few and got very loose with his tongue. He called the boys backwards and in-bred for 15 generations but the boys just ignored him. They knew he was a condemned man.″

″Will you have some tea, Mr. O‘Brien?″

I looked up to see Mrs. Finneran holding a pot of tea over my mug.

″Please. Thank you very much Mrs. Finneran.″

″And scones, cream and sugar too? ″

″Yes. Thank you. ″ I answered.

Like most hostel keepers in Ireland, she knew, as did Mr. Finneran, that their income was directly tied to the tourist traffic. She provided much warm hospitality and fine and ample food and drink. This national character trait of the Irish ensures that Ireland will never lack for tourists.

She shot Mr. Finneran a look that may have meant for the story to end, but with my interest and the interest of the German family and the others peaked, Mr. Finneran continued.

″One of the boys tried to tell him that if he knew what it was that was good for him, he would go and see Father Ruane and get his help as quick as possible. But the American businessman kept laughing at the boys. He said that he didn’t need a priest to help him build his factory. He said he didn’t try to save souls and the didn’t expect a priest to help him build his factory.″

Mr. Finneran took the measure of his audience. He noticed that the whole room was listening and went on.

″He said that we know more ways of avoiding work than any race of people. He said that he had done business all over the world in some of the most backward corners on earth and had never encountered something as funny as fairy forts.″

Then he added, ″Why I just can’t wait to get back to the States and tell them this one. I’ll have people laughing their asses off for hours. Then he started laughing even louder and said his sides were going to split.″

″The boys had enough and a few wanted to give the Yank a thrashing. I spoke up and said to them, ″Boys, just ignore him. The fairies will settle with him. May God have mercy on this poor American.″″

″The American businessman starts mocking me with, ″May God have mercy on his soul! That’s rich! That’s just great! They all believe this fairy fort nonsense. I’ve got to leave before my sides split.″″

″This same American businessman had bought one of the ruins when he arrived. He bought one of the biggest castles and fixed it up for his wife and two girls and a dog...at least until when he destroyed the fairy fort.‶

Mr. Finneran knew he had the audience with that last line. He was skilled at pulling you in little by little and I found myself listening with the rest, despite how tired I was.

″Now you would think that when the thought about taking down that fairy fort that if he didn’t have any regard for his own head that he would have at least thought of his beautiful American wife, for that everyone agreed she was. His two golden-haired girls were a sweet as any children. Sad to say, but true nonetheless, the fairies killed his daughters first because they knew it would torture his heart, and it did.‶

″The very afternoon of the morning he felled the tree, his girls were down on the beach with their dog playing. The dog runs into the water and the girls go in after the dog. Well, the fairies got their revenge when all three drowned.‶

″The American businessman’s wife had been watching the children from her kitchen window. When she saw them run into the water after the dog she ran into the water after them. As the undertow in that area is very strong, which the fairies must have known, they chose that way to be rid of the American businessman’s family before they got rid of him.‶

″It was an hour later he returned to his castle. People who heard him calling out for his wife and daughters say it took him only a short time to find them all washed up on the beach. When he did they say his wailing could be heard all the way to Westport.‶

″Many of us went over to help but we knew the fairies wouldn’t stop until they also had his home as he had taken theirs. That’s the way it has always been. If you...‶

Mrs. Finneran interrupted him. ″That’s enough of that story Mr. Finneran. Let these people get some rest.‶

Mr. Finneran continued.

″Well...as you can imagine, the American businessman was beside himself with grief. He tried to pick up the bodies of his daughters and his wife to get them back to his castle. As he did, he noticed that were breathing. Because he had never delt with the fairies, he had the mistaken notion they might live. We, of course, knew the fairies were just prolonging his agony in a way only they can do.‶

″Sure enough, they died right there in his arms. With the roads out here and the distance to his castle, it took the emergency services some time to arrive. They confirmed the death of all three. At this point the American businessman wailed and wailed, and at that point I did feel for him. But all I could do at that point was to pray for him and his deceased family.‶

From the corner of my eye, I saw a mother with four little ones was tearing up.

″But the last day the American businessman was alive was the saddest day I can remember, and I’m old enough and Irish enough to remember some very sad days.‶

″He ran about the town that day begging people for what to do. He went down to the beach where the fairies originally tricked the dog to go into the sea. Without hesitation he went into the waves, the pain of living without his daughters and wives too great for him to bear. As he did, the front door of his castle closed. No one has bothered the fairies who live there since.

″So that’s the story of the fairy fort.‶

Mr. Finneran looked about to see what impact his story had on his visitors. The German father was the first to speak.

″Zat is a very, very guud story. Zank you for a very good story, Mr. Finneran. Now Jorge und Hans und Beatrice and I must zay guud night.‶

Then he joined the others who were quietly shuffling out of the kitchen to the bunks upstairs.

Mrs. Finneran shot Mr. Finneran a scolding look. He smiled back impishly at her, making it obvious that this was neither the first nor last time he would disobey her.

Mr. Finneran broke off his look with his wife and stared at me.

″Well, you’re an American. What do you think of my story about the American businessman?‶

I was tired from my long walk that day and looking forward to sleep, and I gave him a less than courteous reply.

″I think that in your mind you believe it and so for you it is true. Being American myself, I have to wonder if you used an American as the protagonist. Had there been more American’s in your audience, maybe the protagonist would have been German. So, I appreciate the tale, but no, I don’t believe it really happened. Good night, Mr. Finneran.‶

Bone tired, I walked up to the second floor. When I entered my bunk room, I noticed the backpack I had put on my bunk had been moved to the floor. Odd. I grabbed my toiletry bag from my backpack and headed for the shower.

Despite only cold water being available, the shower was a piece of heaven. When I began to shave, I noticed that Mr. Finneran had entered the bathroom. His look was hard and angry.

″Since you didn’t like my fairy fort story much, I have another one for you. One day not long ago this American student was downstairs in the kitchen going on and on about how he thought the time for the IRA had long passed. I told him he should keep his thoughts to himself, but he kept running his mouth.‶

″Later that night he went to O’Shannesey’s down the street. He returned with a bruised face and blood dripping all over his nice American clothes. Turns out one of the boys who was hiding at the castle in the story was at the pub and didn’t appreciate the American’s views.‶

″Wait a minute, Mr. Finneran. Are you talking about the same castle in your story?

″What if it is? The locals know better than to go where they don’t belong. But sometimes some tourists like you pokes around where he don’t belong. You’ve no plans to see our castle, boyo, do you?‶

His eyes narrowed to slits and he placed a knurled hand, strong for a man half his age, on my arm.

″Of course you won’t. You might want to hold your tongue when your in another’s country. St. James teaches us that the tongue is the rudder of the soul. Don’t be a disrespectful American. The other Yank met up with some fairies in the middle of the night and that didn’t go well for him. I’ll expect prompt payment from you tomorrow early. Oh, and son, watch your back.‶

After Mr. Finneran left, I tried to process what he had said, but the fatigue of the day was catching up with me and I headed for my bunk.

I put my things away and collapsed into the bunk. As I laid my head down on the pillow, I felt a sharp jab at the base of my skull. I lifted my head and suddenly became aware of a large figure next to me.

He removed whatever had jabbed me in the back of my skull and placed it under the pillow on the top bunk. As he did, he kept a muscular hand on my throat. Even if I had tried to yell, he made sure that my throat had neither the oxygen or available vocal cords to do so. Given my vulnerable position, it was impossible to fight him off as he had me immobilized and held the advantage.

He brought his mouth to my ear and I noted he was wearing a black ski mask. I could hear his breathing and smell the beer on his breath. When he was sure I wasn’t moving, he began to whisper in my ear.

″You should always make sure you are in the right bed. Otherwise you could find something that is none of your business.″

I had traveled through the North and I recognized that he had an Ulster accent.

″Your bunk should have been the top one, Yank, but that’s no difference now. I happen to be passing by the kitchen when I heard the way you addressed Mr. Finneran. He was trying to clue you in that Yank‵,s can disappear here. You don’t want to disappear, do ya Yank?“

I shook my head no with what little latitude of movement I had.

″And I’ll thank you to treat Mr. Finneran with the respect a man who has done so much for the cause deserves. You owe him an apology. Mind your manners and you’ll enjoy being with your grandchildren someday, eh?“

I nodded yes.

He released my throat and my head fell back on the pillow. I was so grateful to be breathing and that my neck was not broken that I barely noticed how sore my throat muscles were until I tried to move my head.

The next morning when I awoke I noticed there was no slump in the bunk above me. As I cautiously worked my way out of my bunk and looked around, I saw no trace of the large figure from the night before.

It was all so strange that it occurred to me briefly, as I packed up my backpack, that perhaps it had all been a dream. The soreness of my throat muscles told me otherwise.

I picked up my backpack and went downstairs.

Mr. Finneran was sitting in the chair where he told his story the night before. His panther gaze locked on me and he watched me carefully as I approached him.

″Mr Finneran, I’m sorry for the disrespectful way I spoke to you last night. I’m nineteen and in college and think I know a lot more than I do sometimes. I hope you will forgive my rudeness last night. I’m very sorry for everything I said and for being disrespectful to you.“

His gaze grew softer and he answered.

″It was nothing, son. But in the future, be more careful about what you say and who you say it to. All is forgiven and today is a brand new day in God’s good creation.‶

A gleam came to his eyes as he said this.

I was obviously not he only person whose opinions he had changed over the years.

″I wish you could have been here to meet my grandson,‶ he said.

″He looks like you, only a bit bigger I’d say. It’s ever surprised me the way the Irish from America look like our boys here, but that’s to be expected I guess.‶

″I hear told this morning that he was here but I did not get to see him. His business keeps him on the move often.‶

″He spent part of his youth across the water. ‵Tis not often I get a chance to talk with him, though Ireland being a small country word always reaches me about how he’s doing. He took a liking to fairy fort stories himself when he was a wee one, and he’s never tired of hearing about them since that time.‶

As he said that, he winked at me mischievously.

″Well, I best be tending to the animals now. Say hello to all the Irish in America for me when you return, and enjoy the rest of your holiday.‶

After Mr. Finneran said this, he went across the kitchen and exchanged a few words with a large man who was sitting there drinking coffee and reading the local newspaper.

Although the rest of the kitchen was crowded with tourists, this man’s table was empty but for him. After Mr. Finneran finished talking to him and left, the man got up from his table and walked over to me.

″Mr. Finneran tells me you’re an American. I hope you’re having a good time in Ireland. ‵Tis terrible the way the Troubles have been scaring visitors away these past few years. As you yourself can see, Ireland is more peaceful than most countries. Safer than America, actually. Must be all those fairy forts protecting our people, eh?‶

His eyes smiled, and I saw that same black liquid pool in them that I had seen up close the night before. Although I may have been risking my life to ask it, I had to know if he was the same person who had his hand on my throat last night.

″How do you know I’m an American?‶

″What?″ He looked perplexed.

″You just indicated that I come from America. How do you know that?‶

″Your sneakers. Only an American would wear those sneakers.‶

A huge smile moved across the map of his face. It was the smile of a man who knew when his lies were good enough to be defended if challenged, the lie of a man who know how to tell a lie on demand.

″I’ve got to see some business associates. Hope you have a fine stay. Remember to speak of us kindly in America.‶

He held out his beefy hand. I took it cautiously. He squeezed my hand until he was sure I heard my cartilage crackle, let go, laughed, and walked away.

I have never heard anyone else mention fairy forts since that night in Glanmire, Ireland in the summer of 1975 when I met Mr. Finneran and what may or may not have been his grandson. But if I ever again encounter someone who believes in fairy forts as strongly as Mr. Finneran, I will immediately agree with them that, yes, there are many things in this world that are too unusual to understand, but that makes them no less real.

Even now, over 40 years later, whenever I see a tree in the middle of a field, no matter how busy I am, I manage a prayer for the American businessman, his sweet daughters and his beautiful wife.

Although once I used to think about it for days, I still do not know if it was human or spirit hands that ended their lives so suddenly.

Not do I care anymore.

For I have learned to respect the inhabitants of fairy forts and to pass them quickly, careful not to disturb whatever spirits, human or fairy, that might live inside.

9/17/2019

Remarkable that a Church ERP is necessary, but that is a reality of the times in which we live. This plan is aimed at meeting the challenge of the threat matrix today.

I pray this ERP saves you time and effort as a baseline for your needs. I also pray it helps your Christian church to save lives and property in Jesus' sacred Name, Amen.

Saint Michael Catholic Church Emergency Response Plan (ERP)

2.2 Frequency of Training on the Emergency Response Plan

Keep calm

4.3.3.3.1 Inside a Room, Building or Localized Area

5. All Clear

Appendix G: Evacuation and Zone Maps, Evacuation Areas Map, Evacuation during the Sacred Mass

9/12/2019

8/08/2019

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