A Centuries-Old Church Is Threatened by White Supremacists and Upgrades its Emergency Management Capabilities

CLIENT’S CHALLENGE

“We have weathered many threats throughout our history,” said the Reverend. “But given the recent violence against houses of worship for many different faiths, I want to make sure that we are prepared if a crisis occurs.” The leaders of this historic landmark, just outside a major American city, counted their parishioners in the thousands. “We have a lot of ministries here, under this roof,” continued the head of the church. “And a lot of volunteers. Tell us what we need to do and know to keep everyone safe.”

SUPPORT + SOLUTIONS

Over the course of several weeks, the expert team from Hillard Heintze, a Jensen Hughes company, conducted a careful, in-person emergency management assessment of the church’s capabilities. The team recommended many upgrades – from modifications to armed security guard deployment, facility-locking practices and an evacuation protocol to Crisis Management team formation, leveraging the Incident Management System in an emergency, establishing workplace violence prevention reporting and response policies and upgrading the church’s emergency communications system.

IMPACT + OUTCOMES

The church took action immediately on each of these recommendations. It also re-engaged the expert team for additional support. In the weeks that followed, the team drafted a comprehensive Emergency Management Plan in alignment with local first responder capabilities and the four principles of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. It also designed a customized training program for the church’s new Crisis Management and Incident Management Teams.

CASE STUDY #232

UNDER HIS WINGS

SERVICE

Emergency Management Assessment, Plan Development and Training

CLIENT

One of the Oldest African-American Churches in the U.S.

INDUSTRY

Faith-Based Organizations

THE PROJECT MANAGER’S POST-ENGAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE

“This congregation was already enduring threats with great poise, and the church’s leaders were determined to take action. In fact, prominent white supremacists had recently established their headquarters nearby. Working quickly and closely with the church’s decision-makers, we were able to develop an adaptable and effective emergency plan that they will be able to leverage for years to come.”

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