Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 19 September 2023

These updates are shared to help raise the situational awareness of Faith-Based organizations to best defend against, and mitigate the impacts from all-hazards threats including physical security, cybersecurity, and natural disasters.

INVITATION: Protecting Places of Worship Weeks of Action Virtual Events + DHS Resources

“DHS is committed to supporting efforts that maintain safe and secure places of worship and related facilities while sustaining an open and welcoming environment.”

DHS’ Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in partnership with multiple Federal agencies is providing resources and engagement opportunities that assist places of worship in securing physical spaces as part of National Preparedness Month and supports the implementation of The U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.

The following events are presented by the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships | FEMA.gov.

CISA’s Tabletop Exercise Package Workshop on Faith-Based Situation Manuals Webinar

Thursday, September 21, 2023 @2:00PM EDT

“Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Tabletop Exercise Package (CTEPs) Faith-Based Situation Manuals are a comprehensive set of resources designed to assist stakeholders in conducting their own exercises. Partners can use CTEPs to initiate discussions within their organizations about their ability to plan, prepare and address a variety of threat scenarios that could impact a place of worship or community space. 

Each CTEP is customizable and includes template exercise objectives, scenarios, and discussion questions as well as a collection of references and resources. This webinar will focus on a faith based CTEP in support of the Protecting Places of Worship Weeks of Action.”

Webinar Registration – Zoom (zoomgov.com)

Protecting Places of Worship Weeks of Action Virtual Events

September 19, 2023 – September 27, 2023

“In support of September’s National Preparedness Month, the Department of Homeland Security dedicates national weeks of action, encouraging faith-based and community organizations to safeguard people and places through partnerships with local emergency managers and first responders. The 2023 weeks of action will include virtual workshops for the faith community and private sector.”

Go to Protecting Places of Worship Weeks of Action Virtual Events | FEMA.gov to sign up for individual workshops.

Virtual workshops include:

• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Active Shooter Preparedness
• CISA Introduction to Bomb Threat Management
• Mass Casualty / Active Shooter Impact & Recovery Seminar Series: Negotiating Mid to Long Term Recovery
• CISA Tabletop Exercise Package (CTEP) Workshop on Faith-Based Situation Manuals
• CISA Response to Suspicious Behaviors and Items

Take these 4 Steps to Apply for a Nonprofit Security Grant

This FEMA website provides valuable information on applying for a nonprofit security grant.

“If You See Something, Say Something®” Awareness Day 

“If You See Something, Say Something®” Awareness Day is September 25. Click on the following for more information:

• If You See Something, Say Something®
• Get Involved on September 25th! 
• #SeeSayDay

Bomb Threats Against Houses of Worship Continue

• Bomb threats target US synagogues during Rosh Hashanah
• Police investigate unrelated bomb threats against two places of worship. “Police are investigating two isolated bomb threats one made against a church in Perinton and one made against a temple in Geneva on Sunday.”
• Bomb threats made against 5 Long Island Jewish houses of worship during Rosh Hashanah deemed ‘not credible,’ police say
• Yuma police investigate bomb threat toward local Jewish congregation