Many people think of a house of worship as a safe area where violence and emergencies cannot affect them.  However, violence in houses of worship is nothing new.  In addition to acts of violence; fires, tornados, floods, hurricanes, and other natural or man-made disasters can affect a house of worship.

• Prevention is the action that houses of worship take to prevent a threatened or actual incident from occurring.
• Protection focuses on ongoing actions that protect people, networks, and property from a threat or hazard.
• Respond Immediately: train congregants to recognize the sounds of danger, act, and forcefully communicate the danger and necessary action.

The Sheriff’s Office offers training to churches and religious organizations to help them plan and prepare for emergency situations.  If you would like more information on emergency planning please call 256-974-2500.