Homeland Security > H.A.N.D.S.S. > Prepare at Places of Worship

Places of worship provide a valuable support network and an opportunity to share information about preparedness.

• Learn about evacuation plans and security measures at your place of worship. Select a place nearby to meet up with your family members if you are separated during an emergency.

• Find out if your place of worship could be used as a shelter in an emergency. If so, organize a group to collect blankets, pillows, water, food, first-aid supplies and other emergency needs. Help to ensure that your congregation knows about the plan.

• Organize relief measures to help provide food, shelter, clothing and medicine in an emergency. You can also make plans to help those outside of your congregation. Ask others to volunteer their skills in medical care, child care, cooking, construction or organization and bring them together to talk about where to report and what to do in an emergency.

• Hold meetings to discuss and share the information you have learned about preparedness.