Safety Committee

The Sacred Heart Church Safety Committee is a newly established group of volunteers and parish leaders focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals who attend services, events, and activities at Sacred Heart Church. The committee was formed in response to the growing need for comprehensive safety measures in the church environment, particularly in light of recent concerns about public safety in communal spaces.


As a newly established committee, its core responsibilities include:


1. Emergency Preparedness: Developing and reviewing emergency response protocols for situations such as fires, medical emergencies, natural disasters, or potential security threats. This includes the creation of evacuation plans, ensuring access to first aid supplies, and verifying the readiness of safety equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, defibrillators).


2. Training & Awareness: Organizing safety training for church staff, volunteers, and parishioners, including basic first aid, CPR, and active threat awareness. The committee is in the process of conducting initial safety drills and exercises to ensure readiness for potential emergency scenarios.


3. Security Measures: Assessing the physical security of the church building and its grounds. This includes evaluating entrances and exits, the installation of security cameras, and ensuring that safety procedures are in place for large gatherings and events.


4. Risk Assessment: Identifying potential safety hazards within the church premises and during activities. The committee is actively working to identify and address issues such as tripping hazards, inadequate lighting, and crowd management, particularly during high-attendance services and special events.


5. Communication: Developing communication strategies to ensure that safety information is readily available to parishioners, including using church bulletins, social media, and public announcements during events to provide timely updates and instructions in case of emergencies.


6. Coordination with Local Authorities: Building relationships with local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services to ensure compliance with safety regulations and to facilitate rapid responses in the event of an emergency.


7. Ongoing Evaluation: Since it is a new initiative, the Safety Committee is committed to regularly reviewing and improving safety protocols and measures. This includes gathering feedback from the congregation and the broader community, as well as adapting plans as new risks or needs emerge.


The Sacred Heart Church Safety Committee is committed to creating a safe and secure environment for all who participate in the life of the church, ensuring that parishioners can focus on worship, fellowship, and community-building with peace of mind. As a newly established group, the committee is still in the process of expanding its efforts, and feedback from the congregation is encouraged to help shape its future direction.

Buildings and Grounds Committee Members: