A shooter or terrorist will not target most churches, but other types of emergencies are more likely to occur. Therefore, church leaders need to have a security plan and a team to keep their congregation safe. Many places of worship have security as a top priority, which may come as a surprise.
In spite of the fact that theft, crime, and threats to religious organizations are all too common, today’s congregations must be prepared. Proactive church security is a smart way to safeguard your members and the assets of your congregation. Alarms, cameras, and armed guards are only a portion of the solution.
You will learn how to create a comprehensive security strategy, who should be on your church’s security team, and what different types of security plans should cover. Have a look below!
- The Church Should Have Only One Entrance
Your user or team member should be responsible for locking the doors once the service has begun. It’s important to keep an eye out for any unlocked doors. Outside your church should not be able to access any other entrances. Exit doors must always be unlocked, even when no one is inside.
- Emergency Shutdown Of The System Is Essential
It is critical to have a plan in case of an emergency to respond quickly and effectively and minimize damage. This is not only important for churches but for nearly all important organizations ranging from medical device injection molding companies to apparel manufacturers and even mechanical industries.
Choosing a church access control system with system-wide lockdown capabilities is the best way to ensure the safety of your church.
There are a number of ways to prevent intruders from getting into your facility; one of the most important is the ability to secure specific doors in the event of an intruder.
It’s possible to plan various lockdown procedures with a lockdown feature. In the event of an emergency, administrators can respond quickly and appropriately, which allows them to initiate and reverse Lockdowns from their online devices, phones, or an on-site swipe card.
- Ensure Physical Protection
CCTV and security systems are excellent, but the best defense is still your security team. All members of your team should be included in the planning process to ensure the safety and security of your church.
- Communicative Devices Such As A Two-Way Radio Are Important
Despite the widespread use of smartphones, two-way radios should be given to each patrol member so they can communicate with each other. Because cell service isn’t always reliable, you want a simple way for your team to stay in touch, even if you’ve given them emergency contact numbers.
There should be radios for ushers, daycare workers, and office staff in addition to the security team, so they can communicate with the team in case of an emergency.
- Surveillance By Means Of A Camera Is Crucial
In addition to access control, a church security camera system is a worthwhile investment. Security ptz camera for church allow your church’s security teams to keep an eye on a larger physical area at once.
An installer of security systems can assist in determining the optimal location for a church’s security cameras. They will likely advise installing the equipment in a location where it can provide a visual of areas that may be targeted during or after regular business hours. Make sure you have enough lighting where the camera is installed. Some expert led light room ideas can help you with this.
Some examples of these areas include back doors, parking lots, and storage rooms. A security system installer can also help determine the optimal placement for the cameras.
A church’s video surveillance system will need some management to be effective. Video surveillance is useless if no one is watching it or if it isn’t archived for a long period of time.
- Integrate Quality System Of Alarms
Again, the answers you give to questions such as the size of your church and the number of buildings you own will play a significant role in the process of finding the best alarm system for your church. The type of alarm system you need depends on various factors, including the number of people who have access to your building when others don’t.
The following should be included in any alarm system you purchase:
- The control panel
- Activation keypad
- Sirens
- Smoke, heat, and/or motion detectors
- Ensure Public And Private Wi-Fi Networks Availability
WiFi in your church may pose a less obvious security risk. Even though your church’s leadership may wonder why this is even a question, you should get both public and private WiFi for your church.
In order to conduct all business-related activities for the front office, security systems, and childcare admissions, private WiFi is essential.
Encryption of all messages exchanged via email or other messaging systems is provided by private WiFi.
Conclusion
Members of the congregation benefit from a more welcoming church environment when security measures are in place to keep them safe. As part of a church security plan, you can help your staff prepare for various emergency situations and identify the types of church security equipment that will best protect your congregation.
The above guidebook on church safety and security is a good place to start if you’re interested in learning more about protecting religious institutions from outside threats and incidents.