60 WWW.AGRM.ORG JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 DAY-TO-DAY W e were all appalled by the mass shooting in Las Vegas on October 2, 2017. How anyone could plan and execute such a large-scale, indiscriminate shooting of unsuspecting, innocent concert-goers confounds us. Although it may have been the largest mass shooting in U.S. history, is it really much different than the attacks where someone drives a car onto the sidewalk and mows down pedestrians as we saw on the London Bridge on June 3, 2017? Or the attack on July 13, 2016 where a truck driver ran down pedestrians in Nice, France, killing 84 and wounding 120? Our world is a violent place, and since Cain’s killing of Abel there has always been the possibil- ity of a surprise attack. Not to make light of the recent tragedies by suggesting that this should not shock and appall us, but being aware that such a possibility is ever present ought to make us all more aware and attentive. When it comes to your mission’s safety, there are at least three venues where greater caution should be exercised: During special events that you are hosting, (such as community foot race fundraisers), annual banquets, and in the regular gatherings of your mission at mealtimes and chapel services. Anytime people are gathered and concentrated, the risk of a mass killer who wants to make a statement exists. Bear in mind that many of these attackers do not expect to survive the incident themselves, so they will have a lack of self-preservation, often taking their own life when any resistance is offered. Therefore, if you employ an armed guard or allow conceal-carry of certain high-level staff at your mission, make certain you have written protocols in place for the use of deadly force should an event occur. Consider the use of metal detectors or the barring of backpacks at chapel services. When planning a mission banquet, consider offering security, or at least review the venue to consider exits in case an uninvited shooter may be looking for a way to get himself in the news. Notify the police that you will be hosting a large gathering, or better yet, invite the chief of police to be a guest of honor seated at a place of notice- able prominence. When scheduling an outdoor public gather- ing, such as a foot race or concert, arrange for some security and consider special event insur- ance that includes participant injury coverage. We have not seen the last of shocking mass killings, but with prudent precautions your mission may not be the subject of the next news story. Ĩ Ever-Present Danger The importance of protecting your mission gatherings from violent attacks INSURANCE SOLUTIONS Brian H. Merriam Brian is the official insurance consultant for AGRM. The Merriam Agency offers prop- erty, casualty, auto, directors and officers, and workers’ com- pensation coverages tailored to the needs of AGRM members. You can email Brian at brian@merriaminsurance.com.