Church Safety Checklist: 10 Must-Have Protocols

Article Summary

Keeping your church safe takes more than a few volunteers and a fire extinguisher. A complete Church Safety Checklist gives you a clear plan for protecting your people, your property, and your peace of mind. This article walks through 10 must-have protocols every church should have in place. Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating an old plan, this checklist will help you cover the bases.

Why You Need a Church Safety Checklist

Most churches don’t think about safety until something goes wrong. That’s a problem. But often churches don’t know where to start addressing this. A Church Safety Checklist helps you start preparing for common emergencies before they happen. It also gives your staff and volunteers clear roles during high-stress situations. From medical response to active threats, having a plan makes the difference between confusion and calm.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about stewardship. Churches care for people, and people need to be safe. Let’s get into the 10 essentials every church should have on its checklist.

1. Build a Trained Safety Team

Start with people. A good safety plan begins with a reliable, trained team. You don’t need a background in law enforcement or the military to be effective, but you do need structure.

• Assign clear roles (team lead, medical, communication)
• Do background checks
• Meet regularly for training and review

Your team is the engine behind every protocol in this checklist.

2. Create an Emergency Communication Plan

When something happens, how will you get the word out? Communication during a crisis can’t be guesswork. You need a plan.

Use tools like radios, group texts, and announcements. Make sure everyone on your team knows how to use them. Keep your instructions short and repeatable under stress.

3. Be Ready for Medical Emergencies

Every church should have a plan for common medical issues. That includes fainting, allergic reactions, and injuries.

Here’s what to include:

• First aid kits and AEDs, clearly marked and easy to reach
• Team members trained in CPR, basic first aid and Stop the Bleed protocols
• A plan for how to call 911 and direct EMS to the right spot

Don’t forget to restock supplies and check expiration dates often.

4. Know How to Respond to Fire

Fire drills aren’t just for schools. Every church should know how to clear a building quickly and safely.

Mark all exits. Post evacuation maps. Designate spots people will evacuate to. Keep fire extinguishers inspected and easy to find. Walk your team through the process so they don’t freeze when seconds matter.

5. Prepare for an Intruder or Active Threat

This one is hard to talk about, but it matters. Churches are soft targets. Your Church Safety Checklist should include what to do if someone becomes violent.

Decide in advance if you’ll use a Run-Hide-Fight model or something else. Lockdown procedures, escape routes, and rally points all need to be clear. Practice calmly. Then practice again with stress added.

6. Protect Kids with Secure Child Check-In

Child safety is non-negotiable. Families trust you with their most precious people.

• Use a secure check-in/check-out process
• Keep rooms staffed with more than one adult
• Make sure doors and windows have clear sightlines

Add these details to your written policy and train all volunteers.

7. Plan for Severe Weather

Storms, floods, and even tornadoes can hit during a service. Have a plan for sheltering in place or getting everyone out.

Coordinate with local emergency services when possible. Make sure your building has a weather radio and backup lighting if the power goes out.

8. Walk Your Building Often

A safety plan isn’t something you write once and forget. You need regular walkthroughs.

Look for:

• Broken locks
• Poor lighting
• Blocked exits
• Blind spots in kids’ areas

Write down what you find and fix it fast. The best time to deal with a risk is before it becomes a problem.

9. Report and Document All Incidents

If something happens, big or small, write it down. Use a simple form or app to capture the who, what, when, and where.

Good documentation helps you spot patterns, update your plan, and protect your church if questions come up later.

10. Manage Visitors and Large Crowds

Big events bring extra people, and extra people mean extra risk. Crowd management should be part of your Church Safety Checklist.

Train greeters to watch for suspicious behavior. Set up ropes, signs, or volunteers to guide foot traffic. Know your building’s capacity and avoid letting things get too packed.

A Church Safety Checklist is a Start

These are starting points. As you continue through this journey, engaging with professional help can be a logical next step. Better Protectors can do professional assessments for your church, construct written policy and procedure manuals, and provide training for your team. Contact us with your needs, and we can help you create a safer environment for your church.

Key Takeaways

• A Church Safety Checklist gives your team clarity and confidence before, during, and after a crisis
• You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Start with these 10 protocols and build from there
• Review your checklist often and update it as your church grows or changes
• Safety is an ongoing process, not a one-time task