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Synagogue Security

The following "Security Thoughts" are based on a document prepared by Manfred Moses, Chair of "Watchful Westchester" of the Westchester Jewish Conference. As the High Holidays approach, it is helpful to review these guidelines. But remember, these procedures are meant to be followed all year round!

  1. Each congregation needs to have its own custom-made security plan to address security issues. The process should include all religious and lay leaders who are involved in organizing and running the various services and activities scheduled for each facility.
  2. The main purpose of all fire and security alarm systems is to accomplish the complete, orderly, and safe evacuation of everyone in the building -- in the shortest, fastest and most direct way.
    • Should evacuation be necessary, get everyone at least 100 feet away from the building in order to allow for police and fire department personnel to have clear access, as needed.
    • If an alarm goes off, evacuate the building immediately and as quickly as possible. There is no such thing as a "false alarm" -- unless you happen to catch a culprit in the act!
  3. The following "rules of thumb" should be observed scrupulously:
    • If your building alarm goes off during services -- immediately stop whatever you are doing.
    • Someone must take firm charge of the situation and call 911. Immediately order the evacuation of your building via the nearest exits. The rule is "Evacuate --Ask questions later."
    • Ensure that similar arrangements exist at all gatherings in the building -- e.g., children's services, study groups, babysitting, etc.
    • Consideration must also be given to the safe evacuation of handicapped and elderly worshipers and young children.
    • Remember: confusion may occur due to worried families/friends looking for each other.
  4. Advance planning/preparation/training are critical in order to limit confusion. The best resources on how to evacuate effectively are your local police and fire departments.
    • It is helpful to divide the sanctuary into logical sections, to match up with exit points so as not to overload a parti- cular one. Provide for "Follow Me" evacuation leaders and alternates for each section as well as signs placed at strategic locations. Arrange to have all evacuation routes kept clear of obstructions.
    • It is suggested that you prepare a simple written, non-alarming advisory on this subject, to be placed in each pew. A brief verbal announcement -- at the beginning of each service-- would also be helpful.
    • A security committee should meet regularly, perhaps twice a year, to set guidelines and evacuation routes. The committee should include the rabbi and president of the congregation, the heads of Men¦s Club, Sisterhood, and PTA, the chief custodian and his deputy, and the chairs of major committees such as youth activities, summer camp, school board, nursery school, building and grounds, etc.
  5. Remember to do the following all year round:
    • Check/test the operation of building alarm systems and alarm bells/horns, ensuring that they can be clearly heard in all areas of your building.Also, check/test their automatic interconnection with local police and fire departments.
    • Check/test all exit light units.
    • Make sure that all exits are properly identified as such.
    • Make sure that passageways to all exits are unobstructed and that there are no blockages.
    • Do not permit any gatherings or loitering in exit ways, hallways, stairwells, and on the exterior near the exits.
    • Make sure that all exit doors are unlocked, easily operable and clear.
    • Check/test all emergency lighting units.
    • Make sure that your intercom and phone systems are in proper working order.
    • Provide your custodians with large new flashlights for night-time as well as power-outage situations.
    • Provide key custodians and other staff with walkie-talkies to enhance communications between leaders.
    • Provide bullhorns for use in key exterior/interior spots.
    • Regularly inspect the interior/exterior of the buildings, shrubbery, male/female toilets, stairwells, roofs, closets, etc.
    • Arrange for a secure pre-determined location -- away from the building -- where you can meet children, relatives, friends -- should an emergency evacuation ever occur.
  6. Teach your staff persons how to be aware of suspicious persons and packages -- and what to do about it.

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