No one wants to think about running into danger in everyday places such as school, work, or a house of worship. The stark reality, however, is that ample time and thought must be delegated to these types of situations so that they don’t end in catastrophe. 

“Proactive denotes preparedness,” says Mike Johnson, CEO of Clearpath Emergency Planning Management. “Too many times, schools and other organizations are completely reactive.” To mitigate this mentality, Johnson and his highly-trained colleagues at Clearpath EPM are hosting an interactive safety training on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at The Center for Spiritual Living in Fort Lauderdale,  at 4849 Dixie Highway, Oakland Park.

The program will feature six hours of essential emergency training tactics that any organization can implement. This extensive training expertise was derived from a decade of protocols to benefit international schools around the globe. Through their critically acclaimed dynamic risk and safety programs, the Clearpath team envisions a safer, more cautious world without fear dictating their lives. 

Why is safety planning of this nature even more relevant now? It’s no secret that violence and an overall hostile climate politically and socially have risen throughout the United States. There have already been three school-related shootings in just the first three weeks of 2024. A recent shooting at Perry High School in Iowa  resulted in the death of one student and injuries to five others

Recent reports from CNN and BBC News have also indicated that the May 24, 2022, shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas could have been stopped sooner if law enforcement engaged in practices to neutralize the gunman rather than trying to de-escalate an extremely treacherous situation. 

Instilling preventative measures shouldn’t be a priority after a tragedy has already happened but rather something on the minds of leaders throughout the country including ones in local communities who are charged with facilitating environments that foster our loved ones. 

“It’s about building a comprehensive program in which you train people on what to look for and how to respond,” Johnson said. “We want everyone who attends the training to recognize that there is a lot that they can do to mitigate the risk.” 

The training’s expansive approach will revolve around several provisions and how to incorporate them into the everyday functioning of the school, business, or place of worship. Participants will have access to learn how to create a crisis management team, safety response team, and emergency response team that specializes in incident preparedness. 

Additionally, attendees will receive information on the coincidence of safety and event planning. Community events are a great way to celebrate and welcome new and old members of any group but unfortunately, it is also a ground for conflict. The training will attentively address this and how to handle negative situations that might arise.

Oftentimes, the most threatening aspect is an invisible one: ignorance. During the training, participants will gain exposure regarding how to identify a potential threat or vulnerability in an area and mitigate it as soon as possible to prevent disruptions. 

While some might think they have a decent grasp on the concept of safety planning, Johnson believes the training can elevate and introduce ideas that might not have been considered, and inspire new ways of thinking about crisis management. 

“In my experience, there’s a need for it. Most churches, houses of worship, if they have anybody doing safety or security they’re volunteers, they’re not well trained for the most part.  They may not have any experience,” Johnson notes.  

Dr. Chris Michaels, who runs The Center for Spiritual Living, has emphasized the necessity of this training and programs like it. “You would never think of causing any violence or upset in the church of all places,” Michaels says. “It’s important that people understand and religious organizations have a plan, a safety plan. The bottom line is that it can help save lives.”

The training aims not to inundate participants with convoluted jargon about safety but instead communicate the most practical and effective ways to ignite what can be a difficult and sometimes scary conversation. Johnson and his team are adamant about accessibility and providing the information in a way that is clear and not intimidating. 

“I think it’s easy to hide out in fear. You can’t stop living your life. Just because violence occurs doesn’t mean you have to hide in your house and never go anywhere,” Michaels expresses. “What [Mike has] implemented are policies and procedures that really make people feel more comfortable.”

Clearpath EPM’s qualifications are exceptional and designate them as the perfect company to host this all-encompassing training. Their dedication and diligence have earned them numerous credentials including prominent global praise. Among the glowing testimonials are those from the school leadership in countries in which Clearpath has conducted school safety audits including Buenos Aires, Argentina, Warsaw, Poland, Lisbon, Portugal, Panama City, Panama, Nairobi, Kenya, and Bogota, Colombia. 

“Clearpath was very responsive, professional, dedicated, knowledgeable, and most of all useful,” explained Dr. Andy Davies, the Head of School for the International School in Bangkok. 

“The Clearpath consultant worked early mornings and late nights to get a true picture of our campus safety and security and left us with a very comprehensive report,” he said. “We have since created an action plan and are working through the recommendations in order of priority. The pre-and post-visit service has also been exemplary. We are very satisfied with our partnership with Clearpath!” 

Another complimentary report came from Taiwan.“We brought Clearpath’s consultant to the Taipei European School for a 4-day inspection audit – covering all areas of security, safety, health, and crisis preparedness,” explained Kerry Nockolds, the Risk Management Officer and Director of Admissions and Marketing.

“We have learned a great deal from discussions over the past year and a half on how to deal with our specific situations within the context of general best practice,” Nockolds added. “The experience of having a specialist with a deep understanding of the needs and challenges facing an international school in these fundamental areas of child safety was far beyond expectations and as such the school felt a longer term working relationship with Clearpath.”

The vast reach that Clearpath EPM secures through its extensive approach signifies the need for unity and how accomplishment in safety planning really excels in human connection. Johnson thoroughly recognizes that communication errors can lead to devastating effects as well as solidifying connection as the crucial factor in adverse circumstances. 

“I call that maintaining the human connection; the awareness of what to do if you see something that is potentially going to be disruptive and what you can do about it,” Johnson said. Massive division and unrest are common amongst a variety of communities, but it doesn’t have to be. Establishing a basic understanding of an environment and respecting the values of those in that space instead of fixating on differences can undoubtedly contribute to a safer less volatile environment. 

Conjuring an image of a utopian world where violence and injustice disappear is naive, but cultivating awareness surrounding the difficult times we face can catalyze dismantling fear and evoking real change. As Johnson notes, Clearpath EPM’s ability to make a difference lies in the training participants’ ability to utilize what they’ve learned and begin conversations.

“These events are very collaborative in nature. It’s just not my teaching or my talking for six hours, it’s worship leaders talking to each other, collaborating, brainstorming, and creating relationships that they can continue with after that day’s event is over.” 

As new days are on the horizon, Clearpath EPM’s hopes for broader expectations than a more constructive and safe community. Ultimately Johnson, Dr. Michaels, and Clearpath’s affiliates aim to instill resonating practices that elucidate how imperative communication and understanding are to our survival and the preservation of prosperous and fulfilling lives. 

For additional information, please get in touch with Clearpath EPM

To sign up for the event visit this link 

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