In churches across the county (and world) the safety and security of congregants, staff and the facilities has become a significant concern. One could say that part of our “Extravagant Welcome” should now include implementing plans to help prevent and react to threats that can compromise the safety and well-being of church members, staff and guests.
Phil Shea, the Conference Disaster Coordinator, has recently completed two FEMA courses: “FEMA Training Course: Surviving an Active Threat: Run. Hide. Fight.” and “FEMA Active Threats on Campuses Protective Measures and Response.” He is available to come to your site to train “Run.Hide.Fight.” and participants will receive a Certification from FEMA. He can also train “Active Threats on Campuses” but cannot provide certification. He can arrange for other trainers to conduct the course if you would like your participants FEMA Certified. More information is available in the Church Safety section of this Disaster Page. Phil is the contact to schedule a course; if it is for certification it must be scheduled 6-8 weeks ahead to allow FEMA to provide materials and input the course into the training site used. Contact Phil at philofthedesert@yahoo.com or 602-663-5065.
Many of our congregations have or are implementing plans and procedures to enhance our extravagant welcome with improved safety and security. Below are some resources that may be helpful to your congregation.
Phil Shea is also available to assist by helping you network with what other congregations are doing or to come alongside your staff and Safety/Security Team to provide training and other insights based on his experience and contacts with other organizations and agencies. You can contact him at philofthedesert@yahoo.com or 602-663-5065.
· FEMA Training Course: Surviving and Active Threat: Run. Hide. Fight.
This is and all day course appropriate for staff, leaders and congregants. Phil is a certified trainer. This course complies with the National Preparedness Goal. Participants will receive a FEMA Certificate of completion. To schedule at your location, contact Phil Shea at philofthedesert@yahoo.com or 602-663-5065.
· FEMA Active Threats on Campuses Protective Measures and Response
This is an all-day class that aims to strengthen the response capabilities of those working in a campus environment in preparation for a potential active threat incident. Campuses used in this context includes schools, churches and any other facility. Phil Shea has completed this course but not certified to train. However, through his contacts at the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs he can arrange for trainers. To schedule at your location, contact Phil Shea at philofthedesert@yahoo.com or 602-663-5065.
· UCC Insurance Board Safe Conduct Workbench
Go-to site for template. Not all situations are covered. Here is a link to a site search for templates.
· The Guide for Developing High Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Houses of Worship
Walks church teams through the crafting of policies for emergency situations. It does not seem to have templates included. There is more detailed information about active shooter situations at the end. The examples used talk about a fire in the building. CLICK HERE
· Ready.gov
A comprehensive resource for preparing for emergency scenarios as family, individual, or business. While churches are not specifically mentioned, these resources can give your team a starting point for response development.
The Ready Business page is particularly helpful.
The Disasters & Emergencies page will help with specific scenarios like a fire or attack. The tabs on the right side of the page are situation-specific.
· Ready.gov For Children
There are also age-appropriate resources for preparing children.