Following the tragic loss of life at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, on Sunday, we are all reminded once again that even churches might be confronted with an active shooter situation.
While we can never know when such senseless acts of violence might touch us, there are valuable resources available that can help congregations answer tough security questions.
Timothy Harris, president & CEO of the Insurance Board, has written a special Active Shooter Message to address questions and concerns after last weekend’s tragedy. The Insurance Board, our recognized ministry partner, has compiled free information and relevant tools for congregations making decisions on church security. Also, churches seeking comprehensive training on how to respond to an aggressive intruder event can contact the Insurance Board to get more information about training sessions. Through our partnership with the Insurance Board, all Disciples of Christ congregations (regardless of whether or not you hold a policy with the Insurance Board) are eligible for a discounted rate on ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) trainings for houses of worship.
Additional training resources:
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) active shooter training video RUN, HIDE, FIGHT :
FEMA active shooter resource page
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) active shooter preparedness page
DHS active shooter translated resources page