Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church

ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING/RESOURCES

There is no way that we can be prepared for everything that “could” happen. We can discuss and be ready for many things.

In 2017 a total of 108 fatalities happened in places of worship, in the United States.

So far in 2018 we have 18 confirmed occurrences of guns in school with two of these resulting in fatalities.

There is no “one” training or Plan that will work for every church/community. Here are some resources, others are available online, thru your insurance agency and thru your local law enforcement agencies.

HAVE A PLAN

This is a difficult discussion, filled with emotions and fear, however, important to have. Consider having a “Safety” Committee, made up of people from each committee and board to create a plan.

There are also some good resources to consult online: (just to list a few)

Federal Emergency Management Agency’s publication “Guide for Developing High-Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Houses of Worship.”

You can also find resources at the Church Law and Tax website, including risk management resources, at this link:

Church Mutual

Protecting you Church

Christianity Today

Guide One:

Webinar “Church Security: 5 Things You Need to Know”. The recording can be found at
We have a fact sheet on church violence at
We also have an eBook on armed security at

RUN - HIDE -- FIGHT

“ALICE”

A- Alert

L- Lockdown

I – Inform

C – Counter

E – Evacuate

UTUBE –

Every Iowa Police Department and Iowa Sherriff Department has personnel trained to come to your facility and “walk-thru” with you to discuss and identify safety needs. They will also come to your group and lead “Active Shooter Training” for your specific location, at NO COST.

Urbandale Police, Urbandale, Iowa

Has an “active Shooter” presentation from November of 2017 that you can see by visiting the Urbandale Police Department website.

Compiled for Active Shooter Conversation/Training

February 17, 2018 at the Iowa United Methodist Conference center.

Pastor Catie Newman

IAUMC Disaster Response Coordinator

712-899-4067