Church Security Roll Call

We need light to see, especially when inspecting rooms, guiding people after dark, etc. Then, when the building is evacuated or everyone has to go to shelter, some may need assistance. Do you have the necessary equipment needed to keep people safe when the lights go out?

When you need someone to help NOW, you do not always have the time to go find them, or even to send someone to get them, especially when you have to stay on the scene and take care of the situation, such as in the scenario. When these types of situations arise, are you equipped to make the call?

Communication is critical to the success of a safety team in a developing emergency situation. Having the right equipment for this will contribute to its efficiency.

Because we protect the flock – God’s people – from various threats, human and natural, we must have the knowledge, training and skills to do so. We also need the right tools. The New Testament refers to being equipped for service. Here we begin with studying, identification, and putting on those items that help us do our job.

The final goal of an active shooter response is ending the attack by neutralizing the shooter. This is done by capturing, disabling, or putting down the killer. This is the fourth of the four emergency skills for an active killer situation: Evacuate, Hide, Call for help, and Engage the active killer.

Immediate response is required when an attack is initiated. A later response means more potential casualties. In most cases, by the time police arrive the killing is over, the killer is usually dead or gone. It is up to those who are there to protect themselves.

Means of guarding against deadly force attacks on churches can be summarized as the “Four Ds” Detect the Threat, Deter the Threat, Delay the Threat, Defeat the Threat. The second D is Deter the Threat. This involves risk assessment, facility assessment, and open resistance. Once a threat has been detected, the Safety Team, functioning as a security unit, begins to challenge the threat, aiming to defeat it.

Means of guarding against deadly force attacks on churches can be summarized as the “Four Ds” Detect the Threat, Deter the Threat, Delay the Threat, Defeat the Threat. The first D is Detect the Threat. This involves perception, detection and identification. Detecting threats is situational awareness on both team and individual levels.

As a member of the Church Safety Team, are you prepared to respond if a fire broke out in your church while you are on duty? Smooth evacuations of burning buildings do not just happen. Most church fires begin when no one is there, or only a few people, but sometimes they start when there is a packed house. Your safety team should have a plan in place and prepare your congregation through practicing fire drills.

We have to admit that we cannot prevent all fires. However, most fires are preventable. That includes church fires. That is part of the responsibility of a Church Safety Ministry – preventing fire.