Securing our spaces.
Because we are a community of many space-sharers, each space-sharer has a responsibility to protect those who work, use, or visit each respective space.
Churches of the Presbytery of Chicago and the Presbyterian Church (USA) remain Sanctuaries for all those seeking safety from state aggression, like undocumented persons being actively pursued by immigration enforcement. Sanctuary has been the tradition in the United States since the American colonial era and the founding of the Union.
Report security anomolies immediately to the church office. Call 9-1-1 for violence and life and death emergencies.
Locked doors
The doors of the The New Community House are locked at all times except during worship services, theater showtimes, and other special events where security is provided at door.
Use the entrance buzzer to be let into the building by your responsible space-sharer or Church office.
Do not allow strangers who are not part of your party into the building.
Fire alarm
Fire alarm pull stations are provided on each floor—following Chicago Fire Code.
During a fire, remember RACE:
Rescue anyone in immediate danger.
Alarm. Pull the fire alarm.
Contain the fire. Close all windows and doors.
Evacuate. Exit the area as quickly as possible—follow lit exit signs—and meet on the corner of Bryn Mawr Ave. and Kenmore Ave. across the street.
Account for everyone who was present in your respective space.
Pulling a false fire alarm on purpose will result in an invoice for the amount charged by the Chicago Fire Department.
The City of Chicago may impose other penalties.
Immigration enforcement
Federal immigration agents—or agencies deputized to do their work—are not permitted entrance without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Administrative warrants issued by the Department of Homeland Security or other such agency are not valid for the purpose of entry for immigration enforcement activities.
Firearms banned
All firearms are banned from our community unless used by visiting law enforcement.
Fire extinguisher
Fire extinguishers are provided on each floor—following Chicago Fire Code.
When using a fire extinguisher, remember PASS:
Pull the tab.
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the extinguisher.
Sweep the extinguisher from side to side.
If you are not comfortable using an extinguisher, don’t use it. You may hurt yourself. It is okay to evacuate instead.
Emergency stairs and exits
All stairwells and emergency exits must remain unobstructed. Stairwells cannot be used for storage.
Emergency exit doors must be able to open completely to its full capacity.
Items obstructing stairwells and exits will be thrown away in the course of regular safety inspections.
Security cameras
There are security cameras throughout the common areas of The New Community House. Video is kept on an on-site server and can only be accessed by Edgewater Presbyterian Church administrators. They do so only to investigate anomolies.
Camera footage can only be released by special request to the Session or by a court subpoena.
Drug overdose
Narcan is available in the Church Office when it is open.
We recomend space-sharers purchase their own Narcan for their spaces in case of emergency.
Call 9-1-1 for any medical emergencies.
First aid
Space-sharers are encouraged to purchase a First Aid kit appropriate for their needs.
For example, a larger commercial kit might be more appropriate for theater groups with audiences. Kits specific for cuts and chemical burns would be appropriate for artists.
We do not have defibrillators.
Call 9-1-1 for any medical emergencies.
Active shooter
Notes
During an active shooter event, yell out “Active Shooter.”
Run out of the building immediately with arms raised in the air as you exit. Keep running until safe.
If you cannot run, hide. Lock the doors if you can . Barricade the doors with any available furniture.
Turn off your cell phones. Look for items that could be used as a weapon against the shooter.
Only attack the shooter as a last resort. If you do, fight for survival. The attacker is not looking for a fair fight. Act as a group if you can. Use the element of surprise.
If someone is shot, use a tourniquet. Use a belt or thick fabric, wind it around the wounded area or limb. Twist enough to limit the loss of blood.