White House Issues First Guidelines For Developing Emergency Operations Plans for Houses of Worship
Yesterday the White House issued the first guidelines to assist houses of worship in developing plans to deal with emergency violence situations. The report can be accessed here: FEMA Guidelines. Six federal agencies contributed to the formulation of these guidelines. Although we would like to think violence in our houses of worship is still unthinkable, recent national and world events have unfortunately demonstrated that the potential for violence is encroaching everywhere, even in places where the most vulnerable dwell. The new federal watchwords are “run, hide or fight” when dealing with an active shooter. The Guide is a part of the White House promise to address gun violence in this country, but also addresses arson and natural disasters.
