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What We Must Know. Churches are NOT Exempt from Tragedy Statistics show that armed confrontations and active shooting incidents are occurring at places of worship in greater frequency. It is apparent that the days in which the church was perceived as off-limits from the ills of society have passed. Church Violence is Steadily Increasing From 2010 through August 2017, there have been 506 FATALITIES on church owned properties and 1,323 DEADLY FORCE INCIDENTS. (Due to the inability to sufficiently track crimes specific to religious centers, these statistics only reflect a portion of the violence that is occurring at houses of worship.) *CarlChinn.com
CHURCH SHOOTING - What We Know. Charleston, SC - AME Church Date: June 17 th, 2015 Suspect: Dylann Roof w/m - 21 yoa Details: Suspect entered into an African American church. 45 minutes later, he shot 12 members while they closed in prayer. 9 members died, including the pastor. *Designated hate crime. Weapon: 45 cal. Handgun - 77 shots fired. Church Shootings in
CHURCH SHOOTING - What We Know. Nashville, TN - Burnette Chapel Date: September 24 th, 2017 Suspect: Emanuel Samson - b/m - 25 yoa Details: Suspect shot a killed a female in the parking lot then entered the church and opened fire - injuring 6. He was confronted by a member and sustained a lethal head wound during a struggle and weapon discharge. Weapon: 40-caliber and 9mm handguns inside and 22- caliber pistol and AR-15 rifle in his SUV. 12 rounds fired - Ski mask and tac vest worn. Churhc Shootings in
What We Must Know. Prayer and Preparation is the Key to Church Safety Faith is not a substitute for negligence or a lack of preparation. Throughout the Bible we see the repeated theme of God s divine protection covering those who exercised both spiritual and physical preparation and effort. We prayed to our God and posted a guard. Nehemiah 4:9 Awareness is Essential Churches are often targeted for criminal activity because they are open to the general public, more accepting and trusting of others, and have fewer safety measures in place to thwart activity.
When Confronted with a Threat. How Will You Respond? When faced with danger, people naturally tend to withdraw themselves or confront the perceived threat. This natural survival mechanism is commonly known as a fight or flight and is a physiological response. Things You Must Consider When overwhelmed by rapidly unfolding events, some people may tend to freeze or fail to respond at all. This reaction can prove to be fatal and is the result of the mind s inability to properly process the stimulus or draw from prior training or experience on what they should do next.
When Confronted with a Threat. Every Second Counts Every second counts when you re confronted with a physical threat. To reduce your risk, it is important that you attempt to quickly remove yourself from the affected areas, isolate yourself from the risk, and when able, attempt to contain or quarantine the threat. God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
When Confronted with a Threat. You Should Do One of the Following: RUN HIDE FIGHT
When Confronted With A Threat.. RUN Create Distance Every second counts when you re confronted with a physical threat. To reduce your risk, it is important that you attempt to remove yourself from the affected area as quickly as possible. Know your evacuation routes You should become familiar with all nearby exits that are available to be used in the event of an evacuation or emergency. This includes primary and secondary evacuation routes.
When Confronted With A Threat.. RUN When an active threat is present: Make evacuating members away from any potential threat a top priority Encourage members to leave all personal items behind and quickly vacate the area Assist minors and the mobility impaired. Try to keep children's classes together - when evacuating Prevent others from entering into the affected areas or returning
When Confronted With A Threat.. HIDE Create Barriers Every church should identify accessible classrooms or office areas that can be quickly locked-down and fortified. These selected areas should be designated as safe rooms. Fortify the Door and Remain Silent SAFE ROOMS should be free of windows, have solid core doors, adequate locking mechanisms, and contain heavy furniture or solid items that can be used to help fortify the door and prevent easy access.
When Confronted With A Threat.. HIDE When an active threat is present: When unable to quickly or safely evacuate the area, you should hide and shelter in place Use any available items or furniture to re-inforce your shelter area and impede access Conceal your location by turning off the lights Remain quiet and silence phones to avoid discovery Attempt to locate alternative escape paths or find items that can be used to defend yourself and overtake the offender - in the event you are engaged
When Confronted With A Threat.. FIGHT Confront the Threat There are times when the only available option for survival is to fight. In the event you are directly confronted by an active shooter, and there is no ability to safely withdraw, use every means necessary to protect and defend yourself and others. Work Together as a Team When confronting an attacker, work together as a team to overpower the threat. You should use any means necessary to subdue the attacker. Consider utilizing fire extinguishers, chairs, scissors, etc.
When Confronted With A Threat.. FIGHT When an active threat is present: Use any means necessary to defend yourself and others Locate any items that can be used as a weapon Work together as a team to disarm and subdue the threat Attempt to incapacitate the shooter When attacking; scream, make noise, and act all at once (This tactic can help to overload and disorient the suspect) Act with physical aggression and commit to your actions Attempt to restrain and contain the subject Call 911 advising them of your location
Things To Remember. Once You Reach Safety During an active shooting incident, it is important to remember that getting into a safe place is the top priority. Once removed from the immediate threat, consider dialing 911. Provide details of your exact location Provide details on suspect(s) and weapons Give description of team members who are present and armed Remain aware of your surroundings Report known injuries or the locations of injured or barricaded members
Things To Remember. Assist Others and Be Aware of Your Surroundings Crisis always gives way to courage and goodwill. You should look for ways to help those around you by doing the following: identifying the immediate needs, reporting your findings, and assisting to the best of your ability. Assess the needs of those around you and assist as you are able Fully comply with the request of arriving law enforcement and first responders Avoid contaminating or disrupting any potential crime scene(s) Be prepared to provide specific details and information to investigators Help in notifying family members of the affected Be patient and assist in the physical and emotional recovery process
What We Should Do Now. Increase Situational Awareness Although we cannot entirely remove the risk of criminal activity and violence at our churches, we can put safety measures in place that will greatly reduce the likelihood of occurrence and mitigate and lesson our risks. Church Safety is Everyone s Responsibility Remain aware of your surroundings while arriving, leaving, and on site Look for and report any suspicious activity or behavior Immediately notify the church staff of any person(s) of concern Report any known domestic violence incidents or protection orders Report any statements of expressed hostility towards the church or leadership Pray for the effective work and safety of the ministry and congregation
Never Forget. Spiritual Preparation is an Essential Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the Full Armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the enemy. Ephesians 6:10-11 Visit us at www.fullarmorchurch.com for more resources
Applying What Was Discussed. Discuss, Identify, and Practic Evacuation Routes and potential meeting areas Potential Safe Room and options to fortify locations Options and means to confront and contain