When it comes to church safety, there is currently no greater priority for church officials and administrators. Many individuals spend time in churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, gurdwaras, and other places of worship and public spaces. It is essential that people feel safe when they gather to express their faith or serve their community. As we continue to learn from faith and community leaders on enhancing the safety and security of these spaces, we have identified five ways your community can begin today. This post includes many links with additional resources from the federal government, we hope they are useful to you in improving your church safety.
Church Safety: Prepare, Be Ready
Whether you are preparing for disasters or safeguarding your space against acts of violence, it is crucial to be ready at all times. Be diligent in your preparation and evaluate year-round.
There are numerous ways to safeguard your space from acts of violence. To start, we suggest watching this webinar, where various leaders offer a multi-faith perspective on enhancing security measures. Webinar provided by the Dept of Homeland Security.
Other church safety preparation methods include developing a plan that informs people on what to do during unforeseen incidents. This involves participating in trainings and establishing a communication plan for emergencies. A crucial step everyone can take is to create and practice this plan. In the event of an incident, knowing how to contact each other and reconnect with family and community members if separated is invaluable.
Prepare to Respond to Threats
If man-made incidents or threats are a possibility in your safe space, it is crucial to be prepared to respond effectively. Contact your local first responders for recommendations on trainings and response to threats. Locknow offers Active Threat Response Training that will empower your people with a plan.
This resource could be invaluable for you provided by the US Government: Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide.
This self-assessment also provides a way to determine any weaknesses in your building while seeking ways to improve church safety and security. In addition, you can review resources that can help you find specific actions for your situation at this link.
Seek Resources That Fit Your Needs
There are numerous free church safety resources available to houses of worship on the web. There are also additional low cost resources and even more that require funding. Your organization may often lack sufficient funds to implement necessary safety and security measures. However, various grants are available that can connect you to resources to help fund these projects.
On FEMA’s Preparedness Grants Page, there are several resources:
- Preparedness Grants Manual
- Locknow Safety Active Threat Response Training
- About Preparedness Grants
- FEMA Grant Info
Nonprofit Security Grant Program
The Nonprofit Security Grant Program may be a good option for you, this offers funding to nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, that are at high risk of terrorist attacks. This funding can assist your organization in implementing physical security enhancements and related activities.
These grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations for activities such as:
- Security Fences/Gates and Bollards
- Safety and security planning, training and exercises
- Close Circuit Security Cameras
- Contract Security Guards
- External Lighting
- Access/Entry Controls
Contact Resources
There are many federal partners that want to support you at the federal, state, local, tribal and territorial level. Many of these partners are looking for opportunities to provide you with the resources and support you need. Collaborating with law enforcement or using your Department of Homeland Security Protective Security Advisor can also make an impact.
The DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships is another federal entity dedicated to assisting faith and community leaders in enhancing the safety and security of their facilities. This center connects organizations with the necessary resources to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. It also acknowledges the crucial role your organization plays in emergency response and the ways it can help protect and support the entire community on the path to recovery.
The work you do today helps to protect not just your community, but the entire country. Start preparing now to keep your place of worship or community space safe and secure. FEMA.gov/faith is a good place to start when seeking assistance in improving your church safety.
Locknow Safety would be happy to provide you additional resources, training or communication technology to improve your church safety. We are your comprehensive safety solution. Reach out today: team@locknowapp.com.
Additional Resources from Locknow Safety
Locknow Safety offers a variety of safety training options as well as safety technology. We would be happy to visit with you about improving your church safety and security. Whether it be online training or in person training you are seeking, we can provide you with solutions. We look forward to meeting you!