A confluence of socio-political events, including the pandemic, civil rights demonstrations, and the recent elections has put unprecedented stress on our communities. It has triggered a combination of fear, uncertainty, helplessness, and anger rarely seen here in the United States.

In response, as the demonstrations continue and the pandemic persists, New Beginnings Church Safety & Security deem it prudent to advise our families and staff in a NON-ALARMING manner to be ever-vigilant and to increase their levels of personal safety awareness. Below are a few safety tips.

Think Ahead
Whether staying at home (highly advisable during this pandemic), traveling, or going about normal routines such as going to and from work, the grocery store, or visiting family, THINK ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY.

Be Informed
Check the Internet, TV, and radio regularly for information. Radio and local TV may be the best source for local information and alerts. It's important to stay up to date on the status of events, especially if you need to travel for some reason to help a friend or family member.

Be Prepared
Keep a two-week supply of food and water for each member of your household as well as your pets!

Households with infants and young children should stock extra food and supplies, such as diapers and wipes, formula, or baby food.

If you take medication, make sure to have at least five days' worth at any given time - if you can, we encourage you to have enough for two weeks beyond your scheduled trip. In addition, keep a copy of your prescriptions handy.

Keep a Low Profile
If and when you do leave your home, avoid any groups, demonstrations, or activities that have the potential for problems.

Do what you have set out to do and return home.

Here are a few other things to think about:

Avoid clothing, yard signs, flags, bumper stickers, or any other outward communication that advertises your affiliation with organizations, political parties, or hot buttons issues fueling the political unrest.

Don't espouse opinions with unfamiliar people that could be perceived as confrontational. There's nothing wrong with simply being polite and concise with communication. Some people are looking for trouble and it's best not to give them an excuse to start it.

Keep your doors locked and the garage door closed.

Remove any political signage in the yard. Put them in the garage or at least the back of the house.

Avoid Confrontational Gatherings

Joining a demonstration or angry gathering is risky. In times of civil unrest, even the most benign gathering or protest can quickly take a turn for the worse especially if there are agitators in the group intent on making trouble.

Protest if you must, but if part of your responsibility is taking care of your family, you have to consider who needs you more.

Never Travel Alone

If you must travel, consider having a person accompany you but ask them to remain in the car while you go into a pharmacy or grocery store. Make sure they understand to lock the car doors.

Let People Know Where You're Going
Inform people where you're going and when you expect to return. During a time of civil unrest, even the most placid communities can become volatile or threatening.
Be Connected

Keep a list of your emergency contacts handy and create a communication plan for reaching family and friends in the event of a crisis.

Update your social media status often and send messages as regularly as possible to let friends and family know how you are doing.

Be Safe
Have an exit strategy! Know how you'll get out of harm's way without needing to rely on assistance.

Be sure you know more than one way to get towards safety - the crisis event may make some building exits and even roads impassable or unsafe.

Again, this advisory is NOT Intended to cause undue alarm. However, we believe it is prudent to instill a safety mindset in our NBC family. As always, don't hesitate to contact us if there are any questions pertaining to your safety or security.


Donald E. Simmons
Executive Director, Safety & Security
T.D. Jakes Ministries |The Potters House of Dallas
6777 West Kiest Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75236
214-623-4153 - Office
972-795-1776 - Mobile
214-333-6534 - Fax