Heritage has an active team working to improve our security and safety with the implementation of the FEMA Non-Profit Security Grant Program grant of $147,000 approved late last year.
You’ve already seen Terri Gaitskill’s announcements for CPR/AED and Run, Hide, Fight trainings that start this month. In addition, the grant will cover enhanced security through replacing our doors, adding security cameras, and upgrading our cyber-security.
New commercial-grade doors and frames will limit the number of doors that can be used to enter the building and provide greater protection against break-ins and bullets. Security cameras will capture video only (no audio) and will allow us to review footage if there is an issue. No one will monitor the cameras regularly, so your privacy is protected. Trainings will also include de-escalation. Look for more offerings in the future. Adding cyber-security to our computers and network will help keep our data more secure.
Proposals for all of the changes to the building are in progress. Work on some upgrades should begin soon. Please bear with any disruptions, which will likely happen during the week so they won’t affect Sunday services.
Additional safety is provided by our team of volunteers who monitor the entrance and the building during worship and other events open to the public. Bob Lamb leads this team, and he is always looking for more volunteers. If you would like to join the team, please reach out to Bob at:
If you have questions on the upgrade project, please reach out to Susan Conley at:
Grant General Questions:
Q: How much is the grant?
A: $147,000 to help non-profits increase their security posture against acts of terrorism or other extremist attacks. We pay then get reimbursed by FEMA (Dept. of Homeland Security specifically).
Q: How long to implement the grant?
A: Until August 2025
Q: Replacing windows?
A: No, not under this grant
Q: Bullet-proof doors?
A: No, they are bullet-resistant; vandal resistant. It slows down an intruder.
Q: Why are Heritage and Classroom doors “exit only”?
A: To limit the number of ways to get in the building.
Q: Why don’t classrooms have wheelchair accessible landings?
A: They are not “legal” exits and are not required. Exits are marked by exit signs and all are wheelchair accessible.
Q: Location of security cameras?
A: Interior cameras will allow us to monitor the sanctuary and the great hall, the entry, and the halls. Exterior cameras will focus on the entrances and the parking lots.
Q: What? We’re being recorded?
A: Cameras record visual only, no audio. The footage will be reviewed only in case of an intruder or other emergency. Day-to-day activity will not be viewed.
Q: Minority Bidders?
A: None found on SAM.gov or FEMA lists of approved vendors
Image source: https://tinyurl.com/53mx7rz9