Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 19 March 2025

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. 

Weekly Security Sprint EP 103. Severe Weather, Scams, Insider Risks 

The Gate 15 Security Sprint is a weekly rundown of the week’s notable all-hazards security news, risks and threats and some of the key focus areas for organizations to consider behind the headlines. Gate 15 team members discuss physical security, cybersecurity, natural hazards, health threats and other issues across our environment.   

In this week’s Security Sprint, Dave and Andy covered the following topics:

• Severe weather 
• Scams & Fraud  

Information on other Gate 15 podcasts can be found here.  

They worked to prevent violence and terrorism at the agency created after 9/11. Then they got fired 

The article discusses DHS’s recent layoffs of 20% of the staff at the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) as part of a broader effort to reduce government spending. CP3, which was established after 9/11 to prevent targeted violence and terrorism, trains community members to identify potential threats and intervene before violence occurs. The layoffs included key professionals, such as social workers and mental health experts, causing concern among experts about the effectiveness of center’s mission. Following legal ruling, the fired staff were rehired but placed on administrative leave. Critics argue that cutting back on this program undermines efforts to prevent violence, highlighting the need to expand such initiatives instead of reducing them.  

Analyst Comments: In the article it is highlighted how faith-based leaders play a crucial role in preventing violence and terrorism. Faith leaders are seen as integral to community outreach and intervention efforts because of their trusted position within local communities. They often have the ability to influence individuals, detect signs of radicalization or distress, and offer support before issues escalate. The article argues that faith leaders are key in building relationships and trust with communities, making them essential in prevention efforts. DHS’s personnel moves mean the community’s role in preventing targeted terrorism is even greater, and there are still plenty of useful resources available online to help inform faith-based leaders. We recommend reviewing the “Bystanders are Key to Countering Terrorism” resource which was jointly developed by DHS, FBI, and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC).  

Texas wildfire map shows where blazes burning as warnings issued 

As of March 19, 2025, Texas is experiencing multiple wildfires across various regions, exacerbated by critical fire weather conditions. There are warning issued due to strong winds, dry conditions, and high fire risks. The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings signaling critical fire conditions with low humidity, high winds, and warm temperatures. Meteorologists note that wildfire activity has been high across West Texas this year, exacerbated by drought and windy conditions. Officials stress fire prevention, urging residents to clear vegetation around properties, follow burn bans, and be prepared with evacuation plans. Firefighters are working to control the fires, but residents are advised to stay alert and follow local emergency guidelines.  

Analyst Comments: Dry vegetation, combined with high temperatures and windy conditions, creates significant challenges for containment efforts. Emergency management teams are working tirelessly to control the blazes, but the number of fires could continue to rise as long as these conditions persist. It is important to take fire prevention seriously, including clearing defensible spaces around properties. The importance of preparedness, including having evacuation plans and emergency kits, has been underscored, as wildfires can spread rapidly and unexpectedly.  

• Wildfire Preparedness 
• Protect People, Pets, and Property from Wildfire