Natural disasters, human error, and yes, even human malice can all threaten the safety and security of churches and other buildings dedicated to worshipping, prayer, meditation, and contemplation.
Houses of worship are meant to be pillars of the community that they serve. There’s a reason such gatherings are called congregations, after all. While the type of worship services may differ, there is no question that they all need to be protected. Natural disasters, human error, and yes, even human malice can all threaten the safety and security of churches and other buildings dedicated to worshipping, prayer, meditation, and contemplation. How can the stakeholders in charge refocus on the vital matters of safety and security as pandemic restrictions ease and reopenings begin? Let’s find out.
Improving Physical Security Starts with Pragmatism
Approach your physical security upgrades with a sense of urgency. At the same time, exercise some practicality – not every possible measure will be feasible in reality. In this case, overconfidence is inadvisable. Likewise, you don’t want to give in to paranoia. Newer buildings are less likely to have structural issues. Location matters as well – where is your premises situated?
Assign Safety Response Team Roles
With vaccination rates on the rise, larger group gatherings are once again becoming a part of daily life. This scenario allows you to form safety response teams. Some of your members will take on roles and responsibilities that serve the greater good. The volunteers that come forward will, in all likelihood, be prepared and have some training in their outside lives. Military personnel, law enforcement officers, doctors, nurses, and trained security guards can all make a difference when time is of the essence.
Assess Potential or Existing Safety Issues
As always, safety issues can arise when they are least expected. Electronic keypads complementing common lock-and-key mechanisms are suggested for hardening doors against intrusion. Make sure all doors can open from the inside, although only one door should be designated as the entryway. This approach creates a funnel where you can distribute facemasks or measure temperatures as guests enter. Ushers should be stationed at entrances to monitor what is going on once services begin. Task trustworthy security personnel with campus patrol duties; that way, they can inspect the grounds and report any potential problems that went unforeseen.
Make Necessary Repairs and Prepare for the Worst
As with homes, businesses, and schools, all buildings meant for worshipping purposes require timely maintenance. Churches, temples, mosques, and synagogues feature different layouts, but all of them need power, water, AC, and WiFi access. Fire extinguishers, first aid kits, landline phones, broken locks, and lost sockets should all be fixed as soon as possible.
Trust the Professionals at ARK Systems
Located in Columbia, Maryland, ARK Systems provides unsurpassed quality and excellence in the security industry, from system design to installation. We handle all aspects of security with local and remote locations. With over 30 years in the industry, ARK Systems is an experienced security contractor. Trust ARK to handle your most sensitive data storage, surveillance, and security solutions. Contact ARK Systems at 1-800-995-0189 or click here today. Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!