ChurchSafety

A safety team can help your church respond to a variety of disruptive or dangerous situations. Every church could benefit from having a team of people trained to respond appropriately to emergencies. It's easy to form and train a team if you follow these simple tips.

• Enlist existing volunteers. Most churches have greeters and ushers to welcome people and assist visitors. Train your existing team of volunteers to watch for unusual behaviors and respond or get help.
  
  
• Ask in-house experts. Include people with medical or law enforcement experience, plus those who are simply good at observing and interacting with people. Many churches have experts right in their audience.
  
  
• Call on the congregation. Educate your congregation on your church's policies for responding to an emergency, perhaps through a brochure or a segment of your new member's class.
  
  

• Make pals with police. Designate one of your church leaders to meet with the police and review strategies for responding to an emergency in your building.
  
  
• Distribute contact information. Share emergency contact information with local police. Include the church pastor, property manager, medical personnel, and members of the church's safety team.
  
  
• Learn when to lock down. For some emergencies, police agencies often recommend having a lockdown policy to protect the part of your congregation that is in the building but not in direct danger.
  
  

• Be prepared. Medical emergencies, domestic violence, and other interruptions can happen in any sized church—anywhere.
  
  
• Train your team. Conduct drills and tabletop exercises regularly to help team members understand and practice their responsibilities.
  
  
• Follow the rules. Follow a set of policies and procedures approved by your ministry's attorney. This can help your ministry avoid liabilit
  
  

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