Church Safety and Security Resources – Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
On November 1, 2025, members of the Presbyterian Disaster National Response Team presented a workshop entitled “Church Safety and Security,” which focused on human caused disasters, as when a person intentionally seeks to do harm.
This workshop was designed to help participants better assess risk and threat, including behavioral threats. Particular emphasis was placed on how churches can develop their own emergency plans, both to deter any human caused disaster, and how to respond should one occur.
Materials provided by PDA for the Church Safety and Security Workshop
Church Safety and Security Workshop Powerpoint
1 Resources on Human Caused Disasters
2 The Power of Hello Guide for Houses of Worship
3 CISA_De-escalation Action Guide
4 Protecting Places of Worship
5 Active Shooter Plan Template
6. How PDA Responds To Public Violence
as well as
ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate)
Churches are advised to have
- An AED Defibrillator Machine;
- a first aid kit;
- a fire extinguisher; and
- a “Stop the Bleed” kit (at the very least, in the kitchen).
Other Recommended Resources
Guide for Developing High Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Houses of Worship
