Samford University- Birmingham, AL

After a gunman killed nine people at a church prayer meeting in Charleston, South Carolina in mid-June, churches nationwide felt both somber and sobered. Churches across Alabama and the nation have taken time to pray for the healing and comfort of Emanuel Church. But many also are taking another look at how to make sure their church is prepared for the same kind of unexpected violence. Lt. Curt Carpenter of Hoover Police Department offers some tips. “Your actions will play a large part in the effects that the shooter has on your facility,” he told a group during a workshop put on by Samford University following another church shooting in recent years. If a shooter enters your church, Carpenter said following specific steps — called A.L.I.C.E. for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate — should be in your plan. Read more