The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce is offering another program on Safety Concerns in Worship Today on Wednesday, February 7th.The original January 25th session, sold out, so this is being offered in response to the demand for this program.

In 2013, the federal government issued a first-ever report outlining security recommendations for houses of worship. The 38-page plan advises congregations to plan for potential emergencies, including what police call random "active shooter" situations. Among the advice offered by the federal government: run, hide or, as a last resort, fight.

 

In light of recent violence and terrorist attacks, this program will cover the issues surrounding awareness and assessment of the physical space and procedures affecting each place of worship. The program will assist House Of Worship leaders to improve security by learning how to determine where your facility is vulnerable, then providing an overview of conducting a basic security survey, followed by a report outlining steps for corrective action.

About the assessment process: This security discussion will lead to a comprehensive process which allows leadership at houses of worship to identify critical assets requiring protection. Once these critical assets are identified, threats, hazards, and vulnerabilities are assessed, which are then evaluated using a numerical scale to determine level of consequence and probability of occurrence. After the level of consequence and probability are assessed, security strategies are selected by the key focus team to mitigate problems.

The program will take place on Wednesday, February 7th from 8:30 am to 10 am at the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce office, newly located at 8 W. Broad Street, Mezzanine Level, in Downtown Hazleton. Registration is $10 for Chamber members and $15 for non Chamber members. Registration is required by registering on the Chamber’s online calendar at www.hazletonchamber.org or by contacting the Chamber at 455-1509 or . For all upcoming Chamber and community events visit their website.