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Practical Guidance from Circumspect Group Inc. (CGI)
Missionaries often serve in environments where crises can unfold quickly—civil unrest, nearby violence, natural disasters, or hazardous incidents. In these situations, the safest decision is often not evacuation, but sheltering in place.
Shelter-in-place means remaining indoors at your current location until authorities or trusted security sources confirm it is safe to move.
For missionaries serving overseas, this may mean remaining inside:
- A mission compound
- A residence or apartment
- A church facility
- A school or ministry office
When executed properly, sheltering in place can significantly reduce exposure to danger while a crisis unfolds nearby.
Below are CGI’s key recommendations for missionaries preparing to shelter in place during emergencies.
Why Shelter in Place Matters for Missionaries
Missionaries often face unique operational realities:
- Living in foreign countries with unfamiliar emergency systems
- Serving in urban environments with limited mobility
- Operating in regions experiencing political instability or criminal violence
- Supporting families, ministry staff, or local believers
In these circumstances, movement during a crisis can increase risk.
Remaining in a secure location may be safer until:
- Violence subsides
- Security forces restore order
- Roads reopen
- Evacuation routes become viable
Shelter-in-place procedures are commonly used for:
- Civil unrest or riots
- Nearby shootings or armed conflict
- Terrorist incidents
- Hazardous material accidents
- Severe weather
- Military operations
- Police security operations
The First 10 Minutes: Immediate Shelter Actions
When a shelter-in-place situation begins, the first minutes matter.
Missionaries should immediately:
1. Account for everyone
- Bring all family members, ministry staff, and visitors indoors
- Ensure children are accounted for
2. Secure the building
- Lock doors and windows
- Close blinds or curtains
- Restrict visibility from outside
3. Shut down ventilation if needed
- Turn off fans, air conditioning, or HVAC systems if chemical smoke or contaminated air is suspected
4. Move to the designated shelter room
5. Begin monitoring trusted information sources
6. Preserve communications
- Use text messaging instead of calls when networks are overloaded
Choosing a Shelter Location
Missionaries should identify shelter locations in advance, ideally with both a primary and alternate option.
The safest shelter location depends on the threat.
Civil Unrest or Nearby Violence
CHOOSE:
An interior room
Minimal windows
Lockable doors
A location away from street view
Severe Weather
CHOOSE:
Lowest level of the building
Interior room
Bathroom or closet
Away from glass
Hazardous Air or Smoke
CHOOSE:
Interior room with few openings
Ability to seal doors and windows with plastic sheeting and tape
*These considerations are highlighted in the CGI preparedness framework adapted from FEMA guidance.
Communication: The Most Overlooked Safety Tool
One of the most important preparedness steps is establishing a communication plan.
Disasters often separate people or overwhelm local networks.
Missionaries should identify:
- An out-of-country emergency contact
- A mission organization contact
- A local security coordinator
- A family member in the United States
During emergencies, family members overseas may not be able to reach each other locally—but an external contact can relay information.
Shelter-in-Place Supplies Missionaries Should Maintain
Missionaries should maintain a minimum 72-hour supply kit inside their residence or compound.
Basic items include:
Essentials
Drinking water
Non-perishable food
Battery-powered radio
Flashlights
Spare batteries
Medical
First aid kit
Prescription medications
Medical information
Communications
Power banks
Charging cables
Satellite messenger or radio (where appropriate)
Safety
Dust masks
Plastic sheeting
Duct tape
Whistle
Sanitation
Moist towelettes
Garbage bags
Hygiene supplies
Additional items
Maps of the area
Copies of passports and IDs
Emergency contact lists
*These supply recommendations align with Ready.gov emergency kit guidance referenced in the CGI guide.
The “Stay Bag”: A Practical Missionary Tool
Missionaries should also consider maintaining a small “stay-bag.”
This bag supports 24–48 hours of sheltering away from home, such as at:
- A ministry office
- A church building
- A school
- Another missionary residence
Recommended items include:
- Copies of important documents
- Emergency contacts
- Basic food
- Flashlight
- Portable phone charger
- Basic clothing
- Local maps
*This approach is commonly recommended by international security organizations including OSAC.
Protect Important Documents Before a Crisis
Missionaries often underestimate the importance of secure documentation.
During emergencies, you may need immediate access to:
- Passports
- Residency permits
- Visa documentation
- Insurance policies
- Medical records
- Property records
- Emergency contacts
CGI recommends:
- Storing physical copies in a waterproof/fireproof container
- Maintaining encrypted digital backups
- Keeping copies in your stay-bag
Practice the Plan
Preparedness plans fail when they are never practiced.
CGI recommends the following schedule:
Monthly
Check batteries
Verify water supplies
confirm emergency alert systems
Quarterly
Conduct a brief shelter-in-place drill
update emergency contact lists
6 Months
Rotate food supplies
Update document copies
Annually
Review local risks
Refresh emergency plans
Replace expired medical supplies
Final Thoughts for Missionaries
Serving overseas carries risks, but preparation dramatically improves safety outcomes.
Shelter-in-place planning allows missionaries to:
- Respond calmly during crises
- Protect family members and ministry teams
- Maintain situational awareness
- Reduce unnecessary exposure to danger
Preparedness is not fear—it is stewardship.
Missionaries who plan ahead are better equipped to continue their calling safely even in uncertain environments.
✔ If you are a CGI client and would like country-specific shelter-in-place planning or security guidance, contact your Circumspect Group Inc. advisor for tailored recommendations.