Leading House of Worship Insurer Offers Security Resources

Business Wire

MERRILL, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Given the heightened concern over security at houses of worship and other public spaces, Church Mutual Insurance Company is reminding the public about its extensive safety and security resources.

“We want to be sure houses of worship have access to our wealth of information, regardless of whether they are customers,” said Cheryl Kryshak, vice president of Risk Control. “We are driven by our mission to protect the greater good, and this includes preparing any organizations for acts of intrusion and violence.”

The company offers the following tips:

Have a safety plan. Be sure members are familiar with it and staff members are trained on their responsibilities.
Secure the perimeter. Limit the number of exits and entrances to your facility. Ensure you know who has keys and that all keys are accounted for.
Be sure your property is well lit, inside and out.
Consider ushers your first line of defense. They should be on heightened alert for unusual activity, comments and behaviors. If they have concerns, they should report them or deal with them as outlined in your safety plan.
If you decide to hire armed security guards at your facility, be sure to use guards who are properly trained, such as off-duty law enforcement officers or professional security guards provided by a security firm.
Be sure your actions and decisions comply with local laws.

Church Mutual also offers a wealth of information on its website including Information about armed intruders and emergency response planning. Visit churchmutual.com and click on “Trending Topics.” Here are quick links to relevant content.

About Church Mutual
Church Mutual Insurance Company, founded in 1897, offers specialized insurance for religious organizations of all denominations, as well as schools, camps, denominational offices and senior living facilities. Church Mutual markets most lines of commercial property and liability insurance, including multi-peril, workers' compensation and commercial auto insurance. In addition to insurance, Church Mutual provides a spectrum of value-added solutions that benefit its customers. Church Mutual holds many honors including: