7 Church Safety & Security Tips

Friday, 01 April 2022 16:31

We all want to think of our churches as places of safety and security from the often chaotic world. Unfortunately, the nature of having a large group of people increases the risk of a health accident and complicates responses to emergencies.

It is vital to be proactive in ensuring the safety of your congregation.

Seven Church Safety & Security Tips

Keeping your church's congregational areas secure is about more than protecting against potential outside actors. It is about making sure the space is safe and accessible for all the members of your community by being prepared for health and safety emergencies as well.

Here are seven recommendations for installing or updating a security plan. If it all seems daunting, take it in small steps.

You don’t have to have a plan put into action immediately. Every congregation's situation is different, and you will need support from members for effective implementation.

1. Take Stock of Your Current Situation

The first step in formulating and implementing a security and safety plan is to determine your needs and what areas you do not currently have covered. You may be surprised at the amount of work you have already done to make your congregation safe. Consider the following as a jumping-off point:

Do you have installed and maintained alarm systems? Does this include well-located fire and carbon monoxide detectors and secure access for buildings?
Is the physical security of the building maintained? Do door and window locks function? Are all keys accounted for and in appropriate hands?
Do you provide quick access to emergency medical supplies such as basic first aid kits or AEDs, and do your congregation members know where these supplies are located?
Are there members of your church that can offer professional insight (law enforcement officers, firefighters, medical personnel) or help manage safety procedures?

For many churches, installing a high-tech security system just isn’t practical or budget-friendly. But investing a little time into implementing a comprehensive security plan can serve just as well.

Once you have completed an audit of your current situation, it is time to start working on a plan to address any found issues.

2. Form a Dedicated Safety Team

Looking around your congregation, you will likely be able to find someone qualified in their professional career to offer some guidance regarding safety or security procedures. Offer them a role in forming your safety plan.

They will be better able to spot deficiencies in your current safety plan and give real-world solutions. And having an expert prepared to step up in the case of an emergency, no matter if it is weather-related, a fire, or a heart attack, can give order to the chaos and potentially save lives.

3. Prepare for Emergencies

Injuries from a minor accident or fire are the two emergencies you are most likely to face. The first and easiest step is to make sure an updated and stocked first aid kit, AED, and a fire extinguisher are quickly accessible from anywhere within the church. This may mean having multiple first-aid or fire stations set up.

Secondly, ensure that you have a protocol to deal with severe emergencies. A simple cut can be solved with a band-aid.

But when the worst happens and a member suffers a heart attack, a clear set of steps and responsibilities is critical; delegate roles to your Safety Team or other volunteers. Have someone responsible for tending to the injured, one getting supplies, and one calling for help if needed.

4. Have a Plan in Place

In the event of an emergency, you want a coordinated plan to keep or move your congregation to safe areas. Make sure to have procedures in place for the following events.

Fire alarms
Severe weather (ex. flooding or tornadoes)
Crime (ex. Robbery or active shooter)

Establishing the best path to move a potentially large amount of people to safety quickly is no small task and not one you want to do in the moment of a disaster. It may seem odd, but have a script of what your emergency team needs to do and determine the best way to communicate that to the rest of the congregation.

5. Keep an Eye on the Exterior

We previously discussed our recommendations for establishing a camera surveillance system around church buildings. The key takeaways are to keep areas where privacy is expected private but give good coverage in heavily trafficked areas or those where you keep documents or valued items.

One area many people forget to keep a watchful eye on is the exterior of the building, especially the parking area.

Church services happen at regular times, often for a pretty standard length. That many cars left unattended can be a tempting target for someone who knows they won’t be interrupted. So if you have a camera system in place, consider covering your congregation's parking.

6. Communicate

All of this work and planning to establish safety and security for your church doesn’t do any good if members don’t know what to expect. Make sure to communicate plans and have emergency supplies marked where everyone can see. You never know when an accident may occur.

7. Know When You Need Help

No safety plan can be handled entirely by yourself. Knowing when to rely on professionals and promptly call for help is essential for any security plan. Include steps in your emergency scripts for handing off situations to professional responders such as firefighters, EMS, and law enforcement.

Expert Security for Your Church

If you have completed an audit of your security situation and feel like your church's premises are still lacking in physical security measures or surveillance, it is time to turn to an expert. You want to make sure any system is installed correctly and tailored for your unique needs.

Integrity Security is committed to providing the best protection for our clients throughout the foothills of North Carolina. We look to give you the peace of mind you need at a price you can afford. Whether upgrading an existing system or installing it from scratch, our experts will tailor a solution to address your security concerns.