03/10/2018
Create a safer church. Today. 🔓🔒
Starting a safety and security program at your church doesn’t have to be complicated or costly—it’s important to do what you can.
1. Assign roles | In an emergency, determine who will call 911, who will talk to authorities, and who will talk to the media. Assign backups for each role.
2. Identify trained professionals within the membership | Look for trained medical professionals, current or former law enforcement officers, and members with military or security backgrounds.
3. Invest in two-way radios | this helps eliminate spotty cell service and scrambling to locate a list of internal phone numbers. They can also relay information quickly throughout your building or campus.
4. Create a single entrance into the church | Assign an usher or team member to lock doors once your service starts. Any unlocked doors should be actively monitored. Ensure that the exit doors remain unlocked from the inside.
5. Monitor doors and lots | During services, assign a volunteer to monitor an unlocked door or two volunteers for the parking lot. Equip your volunteers with two-way radios.
6. Move your pulpit | If your pulpit is in the middle of the stage or platform, consider relocating it to the side. By doing this, pastors and other groups facing the congregation can be closer to an exit or side room.
7. Draw attention to the exits | This may seem obvious, but in an emergency, it’s easy to forget about side or back exits. Start your message this weekend by pointing out all exits to your congregants.
8. Ask, “what if it happened here?” | Schedule a leadership or staff meeting to spur discussion. Brotherhood Mutual offers several free resources to help guide you through difficult topics.
9. Obtain a list of area crimes| Your local police department can provide a list of crimes that have happened near your address.
10. Knowing is half the battle | Invite local law enforcement, a fire marshal, ambulance service, or your insurance agent to your campus to identify trouble spots. They’ll help you better understand potential risks and offer solutions to help you create a safer church environment.
