US, UK MUSLIMS SHARE SAFETY TIPS
Washington, 20 Rajab 1434/30 May 2013 (MINA) – Helping their fellow Muslims to keep their worship places safe in the wake of a machete killing of an army soldier in London, a US advocacy group has shared tips with British Muslims to protect their mosques against attacks.
“We hope CAIR’s new safety guidelines will help community leaders boost security at mosques in the United Kingdom during this time of crisis,” Ibrahim Hooper, National Communications Director at the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), said in a statement obtained by OnIslam.net.
Attacks against mosques in Britain have increased in recent days in the wake of the machete killing of an army soldier by two converts of immigrant origin, according to OnIslam.net report received by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA).
In response, CAIR shared a safety tips guidelines with the umbrella Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) to help safeguard mosques against attacks.
“While conditions may differ between our two nations, many of CAIR’s safety recommendations may be applied in any situation,” Hooper said.
The guide includes several tips to safeguard mosques against possible attacks as follows:
– Report Threats: Immediately document and report all threats, suspicious activities, packages or persons to the police. Do not make any attempts to confront threatening persons or touch suspicious packages.
– Know Your Local Emergency Responders: Make an appointment to have someone from your local police department tour your center and make suggestions on improving mosque security. At that meeting, request additional police patrols in the vicinity of your center, with special attention to nighttime hours and during prayers. Keep local law enforcement informed about any upcoming events.
– Limit and Observe Access: Limit the number of public access points (in compliance with fire codes) and be sure that doors are solid-core and equipped with dead bolts. Post observers at entrance points to monitor all those entering.
– Install Alarms and Cameras: Install fire (smoke and heat) and security alarm systems that are connected to local police and fire departments. Make sure all access points are observed by security cameras that have remote off-site backup.
– Keep Outside Areas Clean and Visible: Remove potential fire hazards, such as trash and debris and trim shrubs and vines to reduce areas of concealment. Install perimeter floodlights to cover the outside grounds and parking lot. Also ensure that all interior spaces visible from the outside are well lit.
– Plan for the Long-Term: Establish a security committee to work with local law enforcement with the goal of developing long-term security plans, threat assessments, crisis plans, trainings, and drills. Annually hold safety trainings and evacuation drills for all staff, volunteers, and attendees.
– Get Help: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), along with most local law enforcement agencies, provides tools and resources to support enhanced community engagement, infrastructure protection and the development of threat assessments and emergency response plans. These services are offered free of charge to all mosques and places of worship. For more information, contact :
– Community Partnerships: DHS Center for Faith-based & Neighborhood Partnerships, which seeks to enhance participation between faith-based and community organizations in agency programs.
– DHS National Infrastructure Coordinating Center : DHS National Infrastructure Coordinating Center, with protective security advisors in all 50 states, provides free infrastructure assessments, analysis, and information about possible threats.
– Training Courses: DHS Homeland Security Information Network, made up of a growing network of communities, provides risk mitigation training courses. (T/P02/E1)
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
