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Upcoming workshops focus on church safety, security

miOttawa.org

A series of upcoming Ottawa County workshops help churches and places of worship create proactive safety plans.

"I think the biggest thing – the reason, is to be prepared."

That’s Sergeant Mike Bagladi of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office. The department is offering a free, two-phase safety and security workshop for local churches and places of worship.

"Churches around the area and now all over the United States are coming up with their own security teams," he says. "It’s a real growing interest in all congregations." 

Bagladi says it’s about providing information and being proactive.

"Before phase one, we do an assessment of your facility, of the church," he says. "And what that is – it comes and looks at different aspects as far as exits, lighting, other areas inside the church for a possibility of barricading yourself inside the church."

Bagladi says that applies to active shooter situations, but also natural disasters, flooding, medical needs or other emergencies.

The trainings cover security and facility needs, preparedness, and how to build an emergency response team.

Bagladi says the second phase leads into a larger discussion of church-related emergencies, how to contact county law enforcement and dispatch, as well as information about legal matters.

Both sessions will be held at Grace Community Church in Hudsonville – the first at the end of the month, and the second in February.

The workshops are free but registration is required.

You can find out more and sign up at solargrace.org/safety.

Hilary is a General Assignment and Enterprise reporter for WGVU Public Media. She joined WGVU in September 2014 after several years of experience as a local news reporter, anchor and photojournalist in Midland, Saginaw and Bay counties. She's also worked as a financial and business reporter and audio field producer.
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