One of the most incomprehensible places for an active shooter incident to occur is in a church or a place of worship. Congregants gather for times of prayer, worship, and shared testimony and do so with the assumption they’ll be safe in such a sacred place. Unfortunately, however, we’ve seen that is not always the case. Sadly, mass shootings in mosques, synagogues, and churches happen here in the United States and around the globe. In fact, in 2016, violent deaths were more frequent at faith-based organizations than at schools. One of the best ways we can prevent more tragedies is with safety technology, like our Alert-Com App. We will dive into a few details later but Alert-Com instantly can alert first responders in the event of a threat and share your location quickly. Now, let’s discuss how we can prepare our churches for an active shooter.
Keeping Your Church Safe From An Active Shooter
So, the question is, how do you keep your congregants safe while they are attending services, bible study, or hosting church suppers? Alert Protection Services Alert-Com App is the most comprehensive security resource, available on your computer or your mobile device. This app can mean the difference between life and death in an active-shooter situation.
Chaos will ensue, and tension will be high in an active-shooter scenario. It’s not a situation in which you can calmly call the police and notify them of real-time updates on the situation – but our app can. With a threat monitoring system, you’ll be able to notify emergency responders quickly and effortlessly.
Today more than ever, it’s vital that churches have a protocol in place for keeping their congregation safe in the event of a shooter. It is time for you to know what steps to take to protect your congregants and minimize casualties.
Prevention and Planning
It’s a situation no one wants to think about let alone actively plan for – a mass shooting in your place of worship. Once upon a time church was a safe refuge for those who just needed some time in prayer and reflection. Church security was unheard of. Today, however, it’s a necessity.
So the question is, how do you keep your doors open to all while protecting those inside? Prevention and planning are key.
Have a Plan and Test It
Having a plan doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re prepared. Until you actually practice the plan – until you partner with others to test it – your plan is just that, a plan. Practicing the plan will allow leaders to learn if there are any holes in the design.
Act Fast
When an active shooter first enters a church, the first protocol should be to try to isolate them. Having a pre-planned distress code that trained staff and volunteers recognize immediately allows getting people to safety to start immediately.
Team Effort
While churches want to be inviting, anyone that sees something of concern must communicate it to the security or church leaders.
Emergency Alert System
The APS Alert-Com app can literally mean the difference between life and death in an active-shooter situation. When chaos ensues, emergency services, including police and ambulance, are just a click away on your mobile device. You can also alert members of your organization, and pinpoint threats, all in a matter of minutes simply by pushing a few buttons. This instant notification system can share your location which saves valuable seconds, and contact first responders. Get safer today with Alert-Com!
None of us want to be unprepared when an active shooter enters our church doors. The most important things you can do to protect your members are to make your emergency action plan, practice safety drills, and take measures to prevent violent individuals from harming your congregation. Contact Alert Protection Services today to make your congregation safer.
