Disasters and Faith-Based Organizations

Although not aimed at houses of worship, this free guide may be useful. See: Active Shooter Protocol for Facility Managers.

From the NY Times:

Security Framework document (116 pp.) brought to my attention from the NYC Jewish Community Relations Council, but seemingly of interest to many.

Update: As of 4:30pm today there is news of an attempted attack on a synagogue in Colorado.  Improving security is an urgent matter!

This is a good time to review your facility’s security protocols to ensure that they reflect the current need for heightened vigilance. We suggest that you download JCCA’s Security Readiness:A Framework for Security at Jewish Community Centers (JCCs), YM and YWHAs, and Camps. The publication is a valuable tool for all kinds of organizations and the chapter on a “Security Escalation Plan” on pp. 42ff. features six indicators that should cause you to consider escalating security and the included checklist is a helpful template to build an effective response.

From HSToday: Potential ISIS Retaliation, Holiday Season Put Houses of Worship on Guard

New report on this topic: Overcoming Extremism in the Private and Public Sectors
The Anti-Defamation League has released the final report from the Communities Overcoming Extremism (COE) Public and Private Sector Summits. The After Charlottesville Project Final Report is a compilation of outcomes from the two conferences dealing with domestic terrorism and far-right extremism following the Charlottesville attack in 2017.

See:  Strategic Framework for Countering Terrorism and Targeted Violence.

From HStoday: Halle Shooting: The New Terrorism Reality,

The Yom Kippur shooting in Halle, like Christchurch, represents the confluence of three significant trends in terrorism: a rising far right, the targeting of places of worship, and the use of social media and livestreams.

Guidance from the EPA: Supporting Healthy Houses of Worship

Since it is the week of the Jewish New Year, it is worth reviewing this document here on this website: Tina Lewis Rowe (2009). Assessing the Safety and Security of Your Place of Worship (pages 1-59), including a section on The Role of Ushers and Greeters (pages 60-84).

The author is a former police officer and was gracious enough to share her materials with me a couple of years ago.