Below are links to resources that may be helpful to congregations that are looking to create guidelines for church safety in the event a situation arises on their property. If your congregation has any materials it would like to share, email them to Synod Communications Coordinator Mike Givler (mgivler@syntrinity.org). This page will be updated as new information becomes available.
Find here a link to a video from the Foursquare Church denomination. It gives an overview from prevention to follow through, including using “chaplains” for pastoral care for an ever-enlarging ripple effect of people.
General Resources
- Guide for Developing High-Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Houses of Worship (FEMA)
- Safety for Faith Based Events at Houses of Worship (Department of Homeland Security)
- Active Shooter Resources (FBI)
- Five Options for Survival (Brotherhood Mutual)
- Active Shooter (The Insurance Board)
- Developing an emergency plan for violence on church property (Creating Safe Ministries, PCUSA)
Creating Safe Ministries
This resource from the Presbyterian Mission Agency is available here.
ALICE Training
Cybersecurity Tips
A Corp’s General Counsel, Mike Kirk, has provided tips on vigilance against hacking, phishing, and ransomware that should interest all councils of the church.
Insider Threat Mitigation Resource
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency presents this guide here related to insider threats.
Human-Caused Disaster
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has helpful disaster-related information that addresses all types of disasters. Click here and scroll to the folder “Human-Caused Disaster.”
Gun Violence and Prevention Toolkit
The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship offers a “Gun Violence and Prevention Congregational Toolkit” here.
Run. Hide. Fight. Surviving an Active Shooter Event
Click here for a video that outlines a plan if a gunman enters your work space.
Protecting Your Congregation
Church Mutual Insurance Company offers several church safety resources, including videos on how to protect a congregation against active shooters. Click here.
Derry Presbyterian Church Presentation
Derry Township (Hershey, PA) police officer shares best practices in the event of an active shooter situation, a presentation that was recorded on video here.
Hate Crimes and the FBI
Click here to find advice in response to the experience of congregations being targeted for harassment.
Click on the link below for the corresponding resource document:
Helpful information during and after a traumatic event
Parent guidelines for crisis response
Teacher guidelines for crisis response
Practical suggestions for assisting children in the aftermath of a tragedy
How do people respond during traumatic exposure?
Resources for dealing with tragedies
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Use these helpful resources to create a disaster plan for your family, church and presbytery:
- Disaster Preparation Checklist for Families
- Congregational Preparedness Questions
- Congregational Preparedness Checklist
- Presbytery Preparedness Questions
- Family and Congregational Preparedness and Disaster Response Resources
Additional information can be found through these website below:
- Training through the Presbyterian Women of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
- Mission Presbytery (San Antonio)