People come to your church seeking refuge and peace. They want a safe place to worship, reflect, and connect. Sadly, churches and religious organizations are increasingly the targets of violent attacks. Church security is something every congregation needs to discuss.
Leaders in the church are rarely security experts. You may not know how to begin church security planning. We’re here to offer guidance as you take steps to keep your congregation safe.
Plan for Church Emergencies Now. Congregational Safety is your top priority. Our goal is to provide the information to prepare your church in case of a security emergency. This is not an exhaustive list, but it is a great place for you to start. Congregational Safety is your top priority.
Start with an Assessment for Church Security
Their website includes a free Church Safety and Security Risk Assessment, which is a great place to start with helping assist you in measuring your church’s present level of vulnerability.
Create a Church Security Plan
Preparation starts with proper planning. Southern Mutual Church Insurance Company has worked with law enforcement and security consultants to provide great resources for you. Start by checking out our sample Church Security Policies & Procedures Manual. This guide includes:
- Forming a church security team
- A checklist of actions your church can take
- Firearm policy guidance
- Emergency planning procedures
Take a few minutes and watch the video below at this link https://www.smcins.com/resources.html?tab=church-security Our insurance experts, along with security consultants, discuss what you can do to improve church security and establish a church security plan.
Security Consulting / Training
Protector’s Toolkit Protector’s Toolkit is a Veteran owned company that offers free resources, as well as a comprehensive membership program providing on-going training and resources for your Church Protectors.
Strategos International From the corporate world to schools, healthcare, churches, the military and Law Enforcement, Strategos International offers the most sought after and professional protective services, training and security consulting in the world.
The Nehemiah Concept A comprehensive biblical-based program around church security.
- It’s foundation and purpose are centered around the scriptures.
- Provides congregations with a turn-key method for assembling, training and implementing their own security teams.
- Based in Waynesville, NC, The Nehemiah Concept serves all of the states in the SMCIC region.
Federal Agency Resources
DHS Active Shooter Preparedness
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) aims to enhance preparedness through a “whole community” approach by providing products, tools, and resources to help you prepare for and respond to an active shooter incident.
Guide for Developing Emergency Operations Plans for Houses of Worship
This guide provides houses of worship with information regarding emergency operations planning for the spectrum of threats and hazards they may face to include: actions that may be taken before, during, and after an incident in order to reduce the impact on property and any loss of life. This Guide encourages every house of worship to develop an EOP.
Medical Kits / Trauma Training
Refuge Medical
Refuge Medical is a veteran-owned company that provides high quality, made in the USA medical/trauma kits. Their training includes
- Training and education at three different levels
- Tools
- Hands-on training you need to be an immediate responder
Tactical Medical Solutions
TacMed™ brings proven life-saving medical gear and instructions together so that anyone can become a first responder. Recent events have shown us that the term first responder also includes bystanders, involved participants, and concerned citizens who happen to be present. Mention you are a church organization to receive a discount.
North American Rescue
North American Rescue is dedicated to decreasing preventable death by providing the most effective and highest quality mission critical products to our military, federal agencies, civilian law enforcement, EMS, and pre-hospital life savers.
Dark Angel Medical
Direct Action Response Training fills a niche between military self-aid/buddy care training and civilian EMS training geared towards those with little to no medical training or background. This training provides the student with critical, need-to-know information, which can be utilized in a myriad of situations and stresses.
Also see our Risk Management Resources
We thank Southern Mutual Church Insurance for this information.