In what is a nervous time for all such houses of worship, the state Department of Homeland Security is now providing New Jersey’s churches, synagogues and mosques with a critical tool in the event of a violent attack: “bleeding control kits” and other emergency supplies.
New Jersey is on track to new records for bias incidents, according to recent data from the state, and while officials say there is no specific threat right now, they want soft targets of domestic terrorism to be prepared for the worst. These medical kits are specifically packages of supplies to help victims in the event of a shooting or other violent attack.
Religious leaders tell NJ Spotlight News that they’re grateful for the supplies and accompanying training should they ever need them.
“We hope that no one ever has to use one of these kits,” said Charles Ambio, preparedness division director at the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security. “But the reality is that while law enforcement is out there diligently trying to thwart off these events, we need to make sure people are prepared should an event occur.”
