I – Prepare

Church Security: Church Crisis Response Checklist

Does your congregation know what to do in the first few hours and days after a tragedy?

[ Read the SemperVerus article, A Prayer for Church Security Team Members ]

Research studied by the ministry Spiritual First Aid shows that most churches, organizations, and communities are not well prepared for mass traumas.

That’s why it has now published the complimentary evidence-based crisis response tool, Trauma-Informed Church Crisis Response: A Field Guide for the First 72 Hours. It’s an outline of the critical stages following a crisis, providing a comprehensive list of practical actions your congregation can take to support those impacted by a major event, such as a mass killing or natural disaster.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, A Directory of Medical Kit Resources ]

Here are a few excerpts:

Principles of Defensive Driving from the Michigan State Police

The Michigan State Police Precision Driving Unit provides regularly scheduled precision driving programs to law enforcement personnel from throughout the United States and Canada. These include courses in basic driving, instructor development, pursuit schools, and recruit driver training. Defensive driving lectures are offered for criminal justice agencies as well as private sector organizations. The Michigan State Police Precision Driving Unit is also internationally recognized for the testing of pursuit-rated patrol cars through the Police Vehicle Evaluation and Purchasing Program.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Self-Defense Tactical Driving Tips ]

One of its curricula is Civilian Defensive Driving, a free PDF that teaches principles of safe driving.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Protect Yourself from a Carjacking ]

Among its lessons are the following:

A Directory of Medical Kit Resources

Follow the SemperVerus X List of Medical Related Tweets

How prepared are you to handle a sudden medical incident as you go about your day?

Perhaps in your everyday carry (EDC) inventory you have at your ready convenience a pen and notebook, sunglasses, a flashlight, a pocket knife, OC (pepper) spray, and even a defensive firearm to navigate the multiple minor to major situations you could possibly encounter while out and about.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Checklist: Categories and Their Items for Every Day Carry (EDC) ]

Have you considered the idea that self-defense preparation includes being ready to “defend” yourself from injury of all sorts—small cuts to life-threatening bleed-outs?

[ Read the SemperVerus article, 20 Reasons to Concealed Carry a Defensive Firearm ]

At the very least, you should insert a few BAND-AIDs® into your wallet or purse for those occasions when you or a friend suffer a paper cut, pin prick, or the like. But to be prepared for the eventuality of more serious injuries, consider toting (in your pocket, around your ankle, on your belt, in your purse, in your car, etc.) an Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) or Gunshot Trauma Aid Kit (GTAK) filled as minimally or extensively as your comfort level will allow. The basics (for stopping bleeding) include

  • a tourniquet
  • pressure dressing
  • Z-fold gauze and
  • a pair of chest seals.

The following is a SemperVerus resource of links to information and products to help you assemble and use your own IFAK.

Emergency Preparedness Resource Links

Resource Links | Active Shooter Response Videos

RESOURCE LINKS

[ Read the SemperVerus article, A Prayer for Church Security Team Members ]