Some people think of a church as a refuge from violence and the forces of nature, but violent acts, fires,
tornadoes, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes are striking worship communities with increasing frequency. In
response to recent tragic events (school and mall shootings, hostage situations and extreme weather),
concerned church leaders are developing or updating plans and procedures to ensure the safety and security
of their congregations, staff, and facilities. FEMA has recognized that houses of worship are a threatened
population and has released a guide for preparing emergency operation plans (EOPs) specifically designed
for worship communities.
What would happen if the next big tornado struck the day of your worship service or community event? Would your organization know what to do? Religious and Community leaders are among the first and most trusted sources of risk-communication and crisis leadership not only within their organization, but in the neighborhoods and communities where they serve, they have a central role when disasters strike. The answer
could literally mean the difference between life and death.
There is a certain morality of preparedness. We take responsibility for caring for and preserving the gifts we have been given, especially the gift of life. We are then able to position ourselves to help others.
We are encouraging religious and community leaders to include disaster readiness information in their organizations bulletins, website, or speak on the importance of disaster readiness bringing the congregation’s attention to the importance of disaster preparedness.
At Emergency Operation Specialists, we offer methods to facilitate that process of developing EOPs by guiding a team of church members in planning for the spectrum of threats and hazards their worship community may face. EOPs address actions that may be taken before, during, and after a critical incident in order to prevent loss of life and to reduce the impact on property. Every worship community should have a plan in order to be able to reach out in times of crisis to support their congregation and to the larger community suffering the effects of tragic events.
We can assist a church community to build a team who will be able to teach others how to react in an emergency in their unique environment according to a plan customized for their needs. This method is pastoral, cost-effective, tailored specifically for each church and involves the whole community. With 30 years experience in ministry and a diverse background in emergency management, we offer an uncommon skillset and an exceptional value.
tornadoes, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes are striking worship communities with increasing frequency. In
response to recent tragic events (school and mall shootings, hostage situations and extreme weather),
concerned church leaders are developing or updating plans and procedures to ensure the safety and security
of their congregations, staff, and facilities. FEMA has recognized that houses of worship are a threatened
population and has released a guide for preparing emergency operation plans (EOPs) specifically designed
for worship communities.
What would happen if the next big tornado struck the day of your worship service or community event? Would your organization know what to do? Religious and Community leaders are among the first and most trusted sources of risk-communication and crisis leadership not only within their organization, but in the neighborhoods and communities where they serve, they have a central role when disasters strike. The answer
could literally mean the difference between life and death.
There is a certain morality of preparedness. We take responsibility for caring for and preserving the gifts we have been given, especially the gift of life. We are then able to position ourselves to help others.
We are encouraging religious and community leaders to include disaster readiness information in their organizations bulletins, website, or speak on the importance of disaster readiness bringing the congregation’s attention to the importance of disaster preparedness.
At Emergency Operation Specialists, we offer methods to facilitate that process of developing EOPs by guiding a team of church members in planning for the spectrum of threats and hazards their worship community may face. EOPs address actions that may be taken before, during, and after a critical incident in order to prevent loss of life and to reduce the impact on property. Every worship community should have a plan in order to be able to reach out in times of crisis to support their congregation and to the larger community suffering the effects of tragic events.
We can assist a church community to build a team who will be able to teach others how to react in an emergency in their unique environment according to a plan customized for their needs. This method is pastoral, cost-effective, tailored specifically for each church and involves the whole community. With 30 years experience in ministry and a diverse background in emergency management, we offer an uncommon skillset and an exceptional value.
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Here's a beginner's checklist for parish safety.
Read about some of our approaches to Parish Security as published in Ministry and Liturgy. |
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