Unfortunately, protecting houses of worship is a relevant and important topic in today’s world, but it doesn’t have to be difficult or detract from your ministries. Look over these resources for valuable and practical information on keeping your church safe from a shooting or other attack.
This document provides Federal Government Resources for Protecting Houses of Worship, including:
- How to prepare for and respond during and after an active shooter incident
- Warning signs and what you can do
- Recovering from an active shooter incident
- Tools and resources to help businesses plan, prepare, and protect from an attack
- Information on FEMA’s You Are the Help Until Help Arrives program
- Preventing Arson at Houses of Worship
In coordination with interagency partners, the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) established a website for faith-based organizations that serves as a “one-stop shop” for information on available Federal tools, resources, and assistance: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/individuals-communities/faith-volunteer.
The Insurance Board also has a wide selection of resources related to church safety and protecting houses of worship. Visit their resource library here: https://www.insuranceboard.org/safety-central/.
The US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency has resources available for Protecting Houses of Worship. This website has recommendations, resources, guides for what to do with different threats, grant information, and more.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) supports efforts to maintain safe and secure houses of worship and related facilities, while sustaining an open and welcoming environment. In partnership with the Department of Homeland Security Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, CISA provides resources that assist in securing physical and cyber infrastructure.
CISA aims to provide a first stop for guidance and resources that will inform FBO-HOW security-based decisions. They have developed numerous resources, including a Guide and Self-Assessment Tool, which provide building blocks for effective safety and security programs. The resources include assessment, training, planning, exercises, and other materials focused on a wide range of man-made threats (e.g., bombing, active shooter, vehicle ramming, etc.) that could be used against the FBO-HOW community. FEMA has identified five ways your community can get started today.
