Protecting Houses of Worship

Information below is based on an article from  Rev. David L. Myers, Director, Center for Faith-based & Neighborhood Partnerships, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

I'm taking the liberty to assume that most congregation members are aware of recent and tragic events that have occurred within houses of worship foregoing the notion that houses of worship are not immune from disasters and emergencies.  Faith leaders representing many traditions are concerned for the safety of their congregants.  It is important to know who your first responders and emergency managers are to begin or continue an ongoing relationship.

Your takeaway to remember is this:  there is no way to guarantee complete safety.  But there are ways to decrease risks and increase safety. 

This link fema.gov/protecting-houses-worship will provide information that can help prepare your house of worship for disasters and emergencies, and implement practices that will mitigate their damage.  This includes an active shooter event.  The 2013 guide is designed to be scalable for use by small to large-sized houses of worship in order to help navigate the planning process for emergencies.

Isaiah 41:10 -  'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'