Building Security in Congregations
By Kim Sweeney
Building Safety and Security in Congregations
Creating security is an ongoing process. Shocking events reported in the media can cause congregations to take immediate action on emergency and security issues, but emergency planning is a long-term process. Regularly updating plans and policies, reviewing safety policies and checklists, as well as keeping the congregation informed and trained, requires consistent attention. Building Safety and Security is not something done well in a hurry.
This section of the Guide contains both a plan for how to create your own building safety and security guidelines and some resources for several categories.
Minimizing Hazards in Your Building
- Church Mutual's Self-Inspection Safety Checklist (PDF) and Buildings and Grounds Safety Page can help you keep the people who use your building safe.
- Church Mutual's Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls
- Lists of Checklists is a compilation of our best check lists for safer congregations
Preparing for Natural Disasters
While congregations work through becoming safer and more secure, please also be aware that FEMA is now a part of the Department of Homeland Security. FEMA has some wonderful resources; however, Sanctuary Congregations should think through any trainings with governmental departments that currently work with ICE, particularly if the resource requires signing up for membership, such as an online workshop or DHS staff learning building-related information about Sanctuary congregations. /safe/handbook/building-security/preparing-natural-disasters
Congregational Emergency Planning-a Comprehensive Guide
- Step 1: Assemble your team
- Step 2: Establish contact with local partners
- Step 3: Questions
- Step 4: Determining Roles and Responsibilities
- Step 5: Approval
- Step 6: Share
- Step 7: Train
- Step 8: Practice
- Step 9: Congregational Drills
- Step 10: Review
Resources
FEMA: Guide for Developing High- Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Houses of Worship (PDF)