Emergency Preparedness
The world is changing before our eyes, and as congregations we can’t escape the reality that we need to be prepared for any number of emergency situations that may develop. There have been far too many mass shootings happening in schools, malls, and even in houses of worship as in the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh that may be in the forefront of our minds and hearts. The truth is that there are a number of scenarios that may develop that call for us to be prepared with a workable plan of response, with the following being just a few examples:
- Fire Emergency
- Custody Disputes
- Weather Emergency
- Domestic Violence
- Active Shooter / Active Threat
As a congregation, have you considered these realities in your life together and does your church have a plan to respond in the event of an emergency? That is the question that we want to raise with you and we encourage you to have the conversation.
While no one resource speaks in total to any one person, let alone to any one church, and while we are not offering any endorsement of one particular resource, we do lift them up for your consideration. Our hope is that these resource links will help you in your efforts to be prepared in the event of an emergency.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
A Guide for Developing High-Quality Plans for Houses of Worship
Recognize the Signs of Suspicious Activity
Infrastructure Protection Report Series: Religious Facilities
Sample Emergency Action Plans
All Hazard Plans
Active Shooter Response Plan
Shelter Site: Develop a Plan to Partner with a Neighboring Church or Facility Where Your Members Can Go in the Event of an Emergency
Resources for Your Church - Training Videos / Courses, Websites and Services
Homeland Security Training for Critical Infrastructure Protection
Free Resources from the Internet
Pittsburgh/Southwestern PA Specific Information
Contact Info for Training Providers from Pittsburgh Public Safety
Pittsburgh Emergency Management and Homeland Security Free Site Assessment
Webinars:
Brotherhood Mutual:
Strengthen Your Defenses
View Webinar HERE