On October 2, 2016, UNITED SIKHS Sikh Aid recognized a critical need for enhancing emergency preparedness within the Sikh community in Southern California. Given the increasing importance of safety and security in religious spaces, it was essential to equip Gurudwaras and community centers with the necessary knowledge and resources to respond effectively to emergencies. 

We aimed to provide a workshop titled “Emergency Preparedness for the Gurudwaras” at the Sikh Center of Orange County (SCOC) in Santa Ana, CA. This workshop aimed to educate the Gurudwara management, staff, and prominent community members on various aspects of emergency preparedness, including active shooter situations, care for vulnerable members of the Sikh community, and developing a comprehensive Emergency Action Plan.

UNITED SIKHS Aid organized and conducted the workshop with the support of SCOC’s management and Board Members, particularly Dr. Arinder Chadha. The session was led by representatives Gurpreet Kaur and Harpreet Singh and was the third in a series of such workshops in the region, following similar events at the Lankershim Gurudwara in Los Angeles and the Gurudwara Singh Sabha of Buena Park. The workshop provided culturally appropriate, comprehensive training based on guidelines from the Department of Homeland Security, the National Disaster Interfaith Network, and other emergency preparedness agencies.

The workshop was well-received, with active participation from SCOC’s management, staff, and community members. Attendees, including Mrs. Manpreet Chadha, found the workshop enlightening and expressed interest in future sessions. The event successfully increased awareness of the importance of emergency preparedness within the Sikh community, ensuring that the Gurudwaras are better equipped to handle potential emergencies.