It’s a situation no one wants to think about, but recent events have pushed it to the forefront of your mind. What would we do if a mass shooting happened at our church? How can your members, children, and visitors be best prepared for an active shooter?
As churches, our ministry to embrace anyone in need makes us vulnerable. How do we keep our doors open to all, while protecting those inside? Here is a three-step approach to protect your congregation from active shooters.
1. Plan
First, form your emergency response team. Ideally your team should include individuals with medical and law enforcement training. Next, educate your team on responses to an active shooter situation that result in the least amount of loss.
Run, Hide, Fight is the recommended course of action for adults, and Lockout. Get out. Take out. is the recommended course of action for teachers and grades K-12 environments
Meet with local first responders and learn how they will respond to a shooting in your building. Make it easy for first responders to assist you. Provide local law enforcement with building blueprints and emergency contact information for the pastor and emergency response team members. Report any threats to the safety of your church, including restraining orders your church may have in place.
2. Practice
When you have a crisis response plan. Now, it’s time to practice. First, rehearse with your emergency response team. Next, hold a safety drill and train your entire congregation.
3. Prevent
Creating a plan and practicing safety drills with your congregation are the fundamental steps you can do to protect your members if an active shooter targets your church. However, there are some things you can do to prevent an incident from happening altogether.
- Train Your Staff — Train your church staff, especially greeters, to recognize signs of a person who is agitated, angry, intoxicated, or shows aggressive or threatening body language. Create guidelines on how to approach and, if needed, deny access to such individuals.
- Create Barriers — Create layers of protection that can stop or stall a violent person before they reach your congregation. These steps can include monitored surveillance of your church parking lot and closing sanctuary and church doors after the service has started. Those who come late are met at the door and guided to seats by church greeters.
- Prepare Your Building — Optimize your building for efficient evacuation and secure lockdown. Make exits accessible and clearly marked.
Some possible options:
- Hire Armed Security — Work with your denomination to determine if your church needs armed security.
- Contract with a professional security provider. Do not allow untrained, nonprofessional, armed church members to ensure the safety of your church.
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.