DARLINGTON COUNTY, SC (WBTW) –
In light of the church shooting in Charleston, the Darlington Police Department offers tips to residents across the Pee Dee and Grand Strand when it comes to staying safe in your place of worship.
Chief Watson says it’s important to simply be aware of your surroundings. Staying alert, not skeptical, is a good way to stay safe.
- Be aware of your surroundings. It is common for people to come to church you have never seen, but if something just doesn’t seem right let someone know right away.
- If you notice anyone who seems to be watching the house of worship or a strange vehicle that seems out of place, let someone know right away.
- Secure your vehicles and don’t leave valuables where they can be seen.
- If you are leaving the sanctuary late at night, walk to your vehicles in groups.
- The better lighting your parking lot has the better.
If you can manage it, camera systems that cover the people coming in and out of the house of worship are helpful. They also serve as a deterrent.
Chief Watson adds that being prepared for an emergency doesn’t mean you’re paranoid or expecting the worst to occur, it simply means in the rare event that an emergency does happen, you’ll be ready.
- Be Prepared, Don’t Be Paranoid.
- Have an Emergency Plan.
- Practice Your Plan.
Chief Watson writes on the Darlington Police Department Facebook Page:
“Remember that the likelihood of this happening here is very slight. However, fortune favors the prepared. Should you need our agency to come in and help you to do an assessment, it will be our pleasure to help any church in our jurisdiction at any time.”
“We will continue to be vigilant and check on sanctuaries as often as possible, especially during times that services are in progress. In the meantime, please BE mindful of what is going on around you at all times.”
