The First 5 Minutes

The First Five Minutes

Critical Incident Response for Houses of Worship

By JT Henry | Trident Storms

When an emergency interrupts a worship service, leaders, staff, and volunteers may need to act before professional help arrives. Clear communication and practical preparation can help them make informed decisions under pressure.

The First Five Minutes is a practical preparedness guide for houses of worship. It helps readers recognize immediate danger, communicate useful information, choose protective actions appropriate to the situation, and coordinate with emergency responders.

The guide covers active-assailant incidents, suspicious items and explosive threats, fires, vehicle attacks, structural collapse, and early medical assistance within the reader’s training. It also addresses children’s safety, accessibility, accountability, and family reunification.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Clear explanations of early response priorities.
• An immediate-action quick reference.
• Role cards for leaders, ushers, children’s staff, and other volunteers.
• A tabletop discussion exercise to identify gaps in preparation.
• A campus preparation worksheet and links to official resources.

Designed for churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other faith communities, this guide supports preparation that respects both the welcoming purpose of worship and the responsibility to protect people.

Digital download includes the complete PDF with front and back covers.

An educational planning resource to complement your emergency plan, local responder guidance, and hands-on training.

Short description for product cards

Prepare your house of worship for the critical moments before help arrives. This practical guide by JT Henry includes protective-action guidance, volunteer role cards, a quick reference, a tabletop exercise, and a campus preparation worksheet.