Emergency Planning and Protection for Houses of Worship

Welcome to the insights shared from Mighty Line Minute Series 2, Episode 42, where we dive into the critical topic of emergency planning for churches and houses of worship. These sacred spaces are more than places of worship—they’re hubs for community outreach, shared meals, and events that bring people together. However, they—as well as other occupancies—also face unique risks, from medical events to fires and natural disasters, and even criminal exposures.

Drawing from FEMA’s Emergency Operations Plans and NFPA Codes and Standards, this blog outlines key strategies to help ensure the safety of your congregation and visitors.

Houses of worship are vibrant community centers, but their diverse activities can expose them to various hazards. Fires, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and security threats like arson or active shooters are real concerns. Proactive emergency planning, and specifically, an emergency operations plan tailored to the facility’s needs, is essential for protecting lives and ensuring continuity. Let’s explore the primary risks and how to address them.

Fire Safety: The Leading Threat

Fires are a significant concern for houses of worship, with cooking identified as the leading cause, accounting for approximately 30% of church fires. Kitchens in these facilities often host community meals or events, but cooking with oils, fats, and grease—classified as Class K fire risks—can be dangerous without proper precautions.

To mitigate these risks, avoid cooking with oils unless your staff is trained and your facility is equipped with modern fire suppression systems. Examples include ANSUL R-102, Amerex KP, or Pyro-Chem Kitchen Knight II. These systems use wet chemicals to neutralize oils, cutting off the fuel source, and often include mechanisms to shut off gas supplies and control ventilation. Compliance with NFPA 96, the Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, is critical. Ensure fire suppression systems are installed and inspected annually by certified professionals.

Beyond cooking, all emergency planning should consider electrical fires, which also account for 16% of church fires, are often caused by outdated wiring or overloaded circuits. Schedule regular inspections with a licensed electrician to assess wiring integrity, avoid using extension cords as permanent solutions, and ensure sufficient grounded outlets are available. Additionally, routine testing of smoke detectors, emergency lighting, and fire doors along egress routes is essential. Document these inspections to maintain compliance with safety standards.

Arson: A Deliberate Danger

Arson, another emergency planning threat, is responsible for 16% of fires in houses of worship. Preventing arson starts with securing the facility. Clear vegetation around the building to reduce fire fuel, install bright exterior lighting to deter intruders, and secure all entry points with robust locks. Security cameras, fire detection systems, alarm pull stations at exit doors, and automatic sprinkler systems further enhance protection. Regularly test these systems to ensure they function when needed.

Safe Evacuation: Clear Paths, Clear Plans

Emergency planning should always include evacuations as a cornerstone of emergency preparedness. All egress paths must remain clear of obstructions, with doors equipped with panic hardware that swing in the direction of exit travel. Ensure doors are unlocked during events to facilitate swift evacuation. A professional should calculate the occupant load to verify that the number of exits complies with NFPA and local fire and building codes.

For churches and houses of worship with aging congregations, accessibility is critical. Install handrails that meet ADA and building code requirements, particularly in areas with stairs or elevation changes. Curbs in parking areas near walkways should be painted yellow. Clear signage and well-lit pathways further support safe evacuation.

Medical Emergencies: Preparedness Saves Lives

Medical emergencies can occur during services or events, especially in facilities with older congregants or food service areas. Train ushers and staff in first aid and CPR through programs offered by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or local fire departments, covering care for adults, children, and infants. Ensure Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and first aid kits are accessible, up-to-date, and compliant with local codes. Regularly check and maintain this equipment to ensure readiness.

Natural Disasters: Location-Specific Planning

Emergency planning for Houses of Worship must tailor plans to their geographic risks. For example, facilities in tornado-prone areas should designate storm shelters, while those in seismic zones need earthquake preparedness plans. Prepare for power and utility failures by having backup systems or clear protocols in place. FEMA’s guidance emphasizes the importance of location-specific risk assessments to address these threats effectively.

Childcare Safety: Extra Care for the Youngest

Many houses of worship offer childcare or youth programs, requiring additional safety measures. Implement secure check-in and check-out procedures to ensure children are released only to authorized guardians. Plan evacuation routes that account for cribs and carriers and allocate approximately 35 square feet of floor area per child, though always verify state or local requirements. If playgrounds are near vehicle traffic, install physical barriers to prevent accidents caused by unintended acceleration. Communicate post-emergency reunification plans to parents in advance to reduce confusion and panic.

Active Shooter Preparedness: Run, Hide, Fight

While rare, active shooter scenarios are a sobering reality. Develop and regularly practice a response plan based on the “Run, Hide, Fight” protocol. Train ushers and volunteers to recognize suspicious behavior, lead evacuations, and initiate lockdowns. Secure entrances with controlled access systems, install surveillance cameras, and establish reliable internal communication channels, such as two-way radios or messaging systems. Deploy watch teams during services and events to monitor for potential threats and foster congregational awareness in a way that promotes safety without instilling fear.

Building a Comprehensive Emergency Plan

A robust emergency operations plan ties these elements together. Follow FEMA’s guidance to form a safety team, partner with local emergency responders, conduct regular risk assessments, and run evacuation and response drills. Ensure local emergency responder phone numbers are readily available to staff and volunteers. Place emergency instruction cards in pews or seating areas and designate safe meeting points outside the building for post-evacuation gathering.

Review and update your plan annually, incorporating a continuity of operations plan to guide recovery after a worst-case scenario. This ensures your congregation can resume its mission even after a significant disruption.

Communication and Training: The Key to Success

Clear communication is vital for effective emergency planning. Share your plan with staff, volunteers, and congregants, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. Regular training, including fire drills, medical response practice, and response to violence builds confidence and preparedness. Partnering with local fire departments, police, and emergency management agencies strengthens your plan and fosters community trust.

Conclusion: Proactive Planning Saves Lives

Houses of worship are sacred spaces that deserve thoughtful protection. By addressing risks like fire, arson, electrical hazards, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and security threats, you can create a safer environment for your congregation. Consult NFPA standards, FEMA guidelines, and local emergency authorities to develop a tailored plan that meets your facility’s unique needs. Proactive planning, regular training, and clear communication are the cornerstones of safety.

As we emphasized in Mighty Line Minute, you are your brother’s keeper. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and take steps today to protect your house of worship and those of others tomorrow.

Courtesy Mighty Line Tape, "The Only Durable Stripe"