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Physical Security

There are a vast number of physical locations that must be protected and there are preventative and protective strategies that can be implemented at all levels.

Physical Security

  • Active Shooter Preparedness
  • Bombing Prevention
  • Insider Threat Mitigation
  • Conflict Prevention
  • Protecting Houses of Worship
  • School Safety
  • Securing Public Gatherings
  • Be Air Aware
  • Vehicle Ramming Mitigation

Defending our homeland begins with protecting our nation’s hometown security – our physical security. Providing comprehensive physical security requires expertise across a broad range of physical environments and threat types. From public gatherings, schools, businesses, and houses of worship, there are a vast number of physical locations that must be protected. These locations are vulnerable to active shooter, bombing, unmanned aircraft, vehicle ramming as well as insider threat attacks. There are preventative and protective strategies that can be implemented at the federal, state, local and tribal government levels, within business and organizational structures, and for each individual citizen to safeguard our nation’s physical security.

DHS is closely monitoring unfolding events in Israel and Gaza and will share relevant information on Resources and Information for Faith and Community Leaders Regarding the Situation in Israel | Homeland Security.

CISA’s most important mission is to protect the American people. As part of that mission, CISA provides access to tools and resources to support physical security and resilience. CISA coordinates with various stakeholders and experts to provide counsel and recommendations on protective measures that organizations of all sizes can implement to protect facilities, venues, and public gatherings. Every member of our community – friends, families, co-workers, neighbors – acts as the first line of defense in keeping the public safe and secure. CISA offers free tools, trainings, informational materials, and additional resources for all audiences to prevent, protect against, respond to, and mitigate security incidents.

Featured Content

Learn about important initiatives that support and enhance Physical Security.

If You See Something, Say Something® campaign

EXTERNAL
A campaign to raise public awareness of the indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime and explain how to report suspicious activity.
If You See Something, Say Something®" campaign
BMAP program teaser

Bomb-Making Materials Awareness Program (BMAP)

BMAP is a counter-terrorism risk management bombing prevention program. BMAP focuses on restricting access by malicious actors to explosive precursor chemicals, powders, target materials, associated components, and delivery methods.

Physical Security Considerations for Temporary Facilities Fact Sheet

AUG 17, 2022 | PUBLICATION
The Physical Security Considerations for Temporary Facilities Fact Sheet helps temporary facilities— defined as those that are established for set time frames for hosting a venue— navigate their unique security challenges due to their provisional nature.
Download File (PDF, 1.22 MB)

Pathway to Violence

FEB 24, 2023 | PUBLICATION
The "Pathway to Violence" provides information regarding the behavior indicators that assailants often demonstrate before a violent act.
Download File (PDF, 392.78 KB)

Security Planning Workbook

SEP 19, 2023 | PUBLICATION
The Security Planning Workbook is a comprehensive resource that can assist critical infrastructure owners and operators with the development of a foundational security plan. This workbook is designed to be flexible and scalable to suit the needs of most facilities.
Download File (PDF, 2.91 MB)
6 individuals engaged in a workplace conflict.

Preventing Workplace Violence: Security Awareness Considerations Infographic

NOV 16, 2023 | PUBLICATION
This infographic provides actionable recommendations and resources intended to prevent and mitigate workplace violence by cultivating a culture of awareness and support in the workplace.
Download File (PDF, 4.14 MB)

News

Check out the latest blogs and press releases from CISA.

Read More

Supporting Safe and Secure K-12 Schools

JAN 08, 2025 | BLOG

Learn with Region 8’s Webinar Program

AUG 23, 2024 | BLOG
Join us each month for special events and webinars featuring topics crucial to infrastructure security.

Resilience Where We Worship: Keeping Faith Based Communities Safe

OCT 25, 2023 | BLOG
Read More

Training

CISA offers a variety of training to support physical security.

View More Trainings
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VIDEO

Counter- IED Micro Training Videos

Short instructional videos that communicate the threat posed by IEDs, explain C-IED concepts, demonstrate bombing prevention procedures, and identifying suspicious activity.
CUSTOMIZABLE | VIRTUAL/ONLINE

K-12 School Security Guide Training Companion

This training series is designed to help end users of the K-12 School Security Guide (3rd ed., 2022) develop a basic understanding of what physical security looks like in K-12 schools.
View More Trainings

Helpful Resources

Use CISA's resources to gain important physical security knowledge and skills.

Find More Resources
Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities

Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities

DEC 06, 2023 | PUBLICATION
These goals provide readily implementable, cost-effective solutions and resources to help faith-based communities reduce risk and enhance resilience.
Additional Translations Available
Download File (PDF, 590.9 KB)
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Unattended vs. Suspicious Item Postcard and Poster

PUBLICATION
The Unattended vs. Suspicious Postcard and Poster provide information on how to safely determine if an item is a serious threat or just unattended. Generally speaking, anything that is Hidden, Obviously suspicious, and not Typical (HOT) should be deemed suspicious. 
View Files
Teenager boy and classmates in high school computer class

K-12 School Security Guide (3rd Edition) and School Security Assessment Tool

PUBLICATION
This Guide provides a doctrine to support schools in conducting vulnerability assessments and planning to implement layered physical security elements. The guide is designed for schools to employ in conjunction with the SSAT, a web-based tool that provides further guidance.
View Files

Homeland Threat Assessment

The Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Threat Assessment (HTA) is a report synthesizing threat assessments across DHS including intelligence and operational components.
Homeland Threat Assessment
Find More Resources

Contact CISA Central

CISA Central is the simplest way for critical infrastructure partners and stakeholders to engage with CISA. Please contact Central@cisa.gov

CISA Central
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