PERSONAL SAFETY IN A HOUSE OF WORSHIP

THEIVES GO WHERE THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY Purses left in pews or classrooms during communion, meeting, or lunches. Wallets left in coat pockets hanging in coat closets. Laptops or other valuables left in vehicles during services or while volunteering. IPADS left in briefcases in hallway during conferences.

SAFETY TIPS Whether you are coming to a meeting or you will be working in the building, here are some tips to remember; You should be accompanied in order to minimize any risk. Try to exit the building with others. Depending on parking available, place your vehicle in a well lit area, minimize the distance to walk, LOCK YOUR CAR and leave nothing of value in it. If you are alone, make sure someone knows where you are. If you believe someone is outside the building, call the non-emergency number( ) for the Police. If you have a cordless or cellular phone, carry it with you.

Church members should watch for suspicious activity, but avoid confrontations. They should make detailed observations, and report information to the police.

SUSPICIOUS A stranger loitering outside The sound of breaking glass Unattended packages Unexpected, after hours visitors

WHAT TO TELL Suspicious person Sex, Race, Age, Height, Build, Hair, Facial Hair, Eyewear, Tattoos, Clothing, Footwear, Weapons Vehicle Color, Make, Model, License Plate, Direction of Travel

IN THE EVENT OF A BURGLARY If staff or others with keys arrive at the church and it appears that illegal entry has been made, DO NOT ENTER THE BUILDING. Go to another location and dial 911. If you have entered the building and discover evidence of a burglary or other suspicious action, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY and call 911 from another location.

FOR THOSE WHO VOLUNTEER Religious institutions are faced with wanting to be open and accessible to people. However, situations can arise either at meetings or during services or while providing assistance to those in need. Be aware of when you might be vulnerable, such as being in church alone, opening and locking up after an event, or perhaps you are just busy in the building and not aware of what is going on around you. Real life threats to your personal safety are very rare, but there are simple steps that you can take to reduce the risks. People may have followed the same practices for years without anything happening, but a quick reassessment is always worthwhile.

Questions?

HOME VISITS SAFETY TIPS Contact the people you plan to visit & obtain as much information as possible. Before your visit ask questions about pets, children, other potential visitors etc. Always inform your church, ministry, friend or family member of the date, time and location of your home visit. If possible all home visits should be accompanied by two or more people.

PERSONAL SAFETY DURING THE VISIT If you carry bags, keep your car keys and mobile phone on you. Survey the premises for exits and ways out in an emergency. If there are dogs or other pets which concern you ask that they be put away in a locked kennel or room. Do not wear expensive jewelry. Limit the amount of cash you carry. Do not carry a purse. Carry essential identification only. Avoid carrying credit cards. Dress conservatively.

TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS WHEN CONDUCTING A HOME VISIT Lock your car doors as soon as you get in your car. Where practical do not park in the driveway(you could be blocked in). You need to think about reverse parking in, so you can simply drive out. Approach your car with keys in hand. Check the car interior before entering. Keep doors locked at all times. Park in a well lit area and avoid parking in isolated areas.

TIPS TO CONSIDER IF YOU ARE FACED WITH A AGGRESSIVE INCIDENT DURING A HOME VISIT Never enter a house if there is yelling, screaming, breaking glass etc. coming from within – CALL THE POLICE. If an aggressive incident occurs, remember to try and remain as calm as possible, speak slowly and calmly. Stay out of rooms such as kitchens because there are a variety of weapons that could be used. Try and keep a barrier (e.g. table, between you and the aggressor where practical). Slowly try to move toward an exit or consider a room you can barricade yourself in and use your cell pone to call police. Try not to walk backwards as you risk tripping.

At the earliest opportunity call the police, even if it is only the threat of assault. You must inform the police if firearms are produced or implied. Don’t stand face to face(it makes you vulnerable to attacks) Don’t enter a home with someone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Don’t enter a home with someone who is inappropriately dressed.

VOLUNTEER SAFETY AT FOOD PANTRY Set firm polices and standards for the pantry. Provide the service only at designated times and locations. Prohibit providing services to those who show up outside of designated times. Set the environment for the program delivery with safety in mind. Remove high value items from view. Maintain access control to the facility and clearly identify client area and staff/volunteer only areas.

Have one or two other people at the pantry during indicated hours the pantry gives out food. Adequate staffing of events or programs is critical to maintaining safety as isolated and lone worker are much more likely to be assaulted. Call the police at the slightest infringement of your rights as a person. Give the police accurate information as to what is happening so that they may respond rapidly.

No matter how nice or innocent a person may appear to be, never take any chances with your personal safety. Develop boundary-setting guidelines that ban or suspend services to offenders who violate policy or act inappropriately.

Train staff and volunteers in recognizing warning signs, defusing hostile behavior, and setting boundaries for any inappropriate behavior. Aggressors are often calculated in their approach and will test human targets on what behavior they can try. If it is impractical to teach all staff and volunteers, train a few responsible people to monitor situations and provide intervention support.

NON-VERBAL: DANGER CUES Red/flushed face Vocal extremes (very loud or soft) Heavy breathing Hands balled up as fists Standing in a bladed position Protruding veins Pointing at chest Clothes in disarray

Thousand mile stare Unaware of surroundings Statements of sympathy or understanding for violence Smell of alcohol or drugs Invades personal space.

IF SOMEONE SHOWS SIGNS OF LOSING CONTROL Get help before trouble starts. Use a prearranged warning signal to alert others. Stay calm. This will help keep the person calm. Talk slowly and calmly. Use a firm confident tone. Don’t Threaten, but inform of consequences of inappropriate behavior. Try to leave yourself an escape route. Seek safety at your first opportunity. Take time to debrief the situation.