Emergency Protocols

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Medical Emergencies

In the event of a medical emergency at Mass, please follow these guidelines:

  • Inform a hospitality minister/usher or staff member who will call 911. Please do not make additional calls to 911.
  • Do not give water to the person in distress. While it feels like a caring and hospitable action, doing so may cause additional harm and may delay crucial medical testing if transported to the hospital.
  • Please assist the hospitality minister/user or staff member if directed to do so.
  • AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) and first aid kits are available throughout the church campus.  Please familiarize yourself with their locations. 
  • In the event of a medical emergency at other times or other locations, please call 911 and follow Instructions on emergency sheets are posted throughout campus.

Severe Weather Emergencies

In the event the Cobb County weather alarm sounds or if instructed by staff of an imminent severe weather situation, please follow these guidelines:

  • When in the church, exit through the interior doorways to the left or right of the altar.
  • If this occurs during communion, Eucharistic ministers are to exit with the Eucharist.
  • Calmly exit your area and go to the lower level of the building.
  • Take shelter in the rooms designated as tornado shelters.
  • If in any other location in the building, seek shelter in rooms designated as tornado shelters or on the ground floor with no windows. 
  • Do not leave the area or go to your vehicle until all is clear. 

Fire Emergencies

In the event of hearing the fire alarm (including drills), please follow these guidelines:

  • Immediately exit the building.
  • If during communion, Eucharistic Ministers are to exit with the Eucharist.
  • Walk as far away from the building as possible – do not stand outside the building near doorways.
  • DO NOT EXIT PARKING LOT WITH VEHICLES – This may cause harm to others in the parking lot and may impede the ability of emergency vehicles to enter parking lot.  
  • Await “ALL CLEAR” announcement before returning to the building.