Active shooter incidents can happen anywhere, and it’s important for businesses to be prepared for such an event. The best way to prepare for an active shooter situation is through active shooter training. This type of training teaches individuals how to recognize potential warning signs, how to respond in an emergency, and how to recover after a crisis.

Active shooter incidents are a tragic reality in today’s society. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), there were a total of 50 active shooter incidents in the United States in 2019 alone, resulting in a total of 85 deaths and 50 injuries. These incidents can happen anywhere, including in the workplace, and it’s crucial for businesses to be prepared for such an event.

One of the best ways to prepare for an active shooter situation is through active shooter training. This type of training teaches individuals how to recognize potential warning signs, how to respond in an emergency, and how to recover after a crisis. By being prepared and knowing what to do in the event of an active shooter incident, businesses can reduce the number of casualties and minimize the emotional and psychological impact of such an incident.

With this in mind, it’s important for businesses to take the necessary steps to ensure their readiness for an active shooter incident. The following is a 10-item list of practical tips for businesses to keep in mind when it comes to active shooter preparedness. From developing an emergency action plan to securing the building and having a communication plan, these tips will help ensure the safety of employees and customers in the event of an active shooter incident.

Develop an emergency action plan: Having a clear and well-communicated emergency action plan in place is essential for businesses to be prepared for an active shooter incident. This plan should include information on how to recognize potential warning signs, how to respond in an emergency, and how to recover after a crisis. It should also include procedures for lockdown and evacuation, as well as contact information for emergency services and designated personnel. It is important to ensure that all employees are familiar with the emergency action plan and know what to do in case of an emergency.

Regularly review and update the emergency action plan: As situations and circumstances change, it’s important to regularly review and update the emergency action plan to ensure that it remains effective and relevant. This includes updating contact information and emergency procedures, as well as incorporating new technologies and security measures. It is also important to conduct regular drills and exercises to test the effectiveness of the emergency action plan and identify any areas for improvement.

Conduct active shooter training: Active shooter training is crucial for the safety and well-being of employees. Regular training can help to reduce the number of casualties in an active shooter incident and minimize the emotional and psychological impact of such an incident. The training should include information on recognizing potential warning signs, how to respond in an emergency, and how to recover after a crisis. It should also include hands-on training, such as drills and exercises, to familiarize employees with the procedures outlined in the emergency action plan.

Encourage employees to report suspicious behavior: Encourage employees to report suspicious behavior to the appropriate authorities. This might include individuals who are exhibiting unusual behavior or who have made threats. It is important to create a culture in which employees feel comfortable reporting suspicious behavior and know who to report it to. This can help to prevent active shooter incidents and ensure the safety of all employees.

Secure the building: Secure the building by installing security cameras, access control systems, and other security measures. This can help to reduce the risk of an active shooter incident and can also aid in the identification and capture of an active shooter. It is important to conduct regular security assessments and update security measures as needed. This includes securing all doors and windows, as well as ensuring that all employees are aware of the proper procedures for securing the building in case of an emergency.

Be aware of exits: Be aware of all exits in the building and ensure that employees are familiar with the location of exits. This can help to reduce the risk of casualties in an active shooter incident. It is important to ensure that all exits are clearly marked and easily accessible, and that employees are familiar with the evacuation routes. Regular drills and exercises can also help employees to become familiar with the exits and the evacuation procedures.

Have a communication plan: Have a communication plan in place to ensure that employees are aware of an active shooter incident and know what to do. This might include a text message alert system or an intercom system. It is important to ensure that all employees are familiar with the communication plan and know how to receive and respond to alerts. The communication plan should also include procedures for communicating with emergency services and designated personnel.

Train employees on how to respond to an active shooter incident: Train employees on how to respond to an active shooter incident, including how to shelter in place, how to evacuate, and how to fight back. It is important to ensure that all employees are familiar with the procedures outlined in the emergency action plan and know how to respond in case of an emergency. Regular drills and exercises can also help employees to become familiar with the procedures and to develop the necessary skills to respond effectively in case of an emergency.

If an active shooter incident occurs in a business setting, employees should follow these steps:

  1. Run: If possible, evacuate the building immediately. Leave your belongings behind and help others escape if possible.
  2. Hide: If evacuation is not possible, find a secure place to hide. Lock and block doors, turn off lights, and silence your phone.
  3. Fight: As a last resort, if confronted by the shooter, attempt to disrupt and incapacitate the shooter. Use whatever means available to you.

It is important to note that in an active shooter situation, it is critical to stay calm and make quick decisions. Additionally, it is recommended to have a plan in place and practice it regularly so that employees know how to respond in such an emergency situation.

Have a post-incident plan: Have a post-incident plan in place to ensure that employees are aware of how to access counseling and other support services, as well as how to return to work or school after an incident. It is important to provide support to employees who have been affected by an active shooter incident, both physically and emotionally. This can include access to counseling services, time off work, and resources for coping with trauma. It is also important to have a plan in place for returning to work or school after an incident, and to ensure that employees are aware of the plan and know what to expect.

Have an emergency contact list: Have an emergency contact list in place to ensure that employees are aware of who to contact in case of an emergency. This might include emergency services and the company’s emergency contact. It is important to ensure that all employees are familiar with the emergency contact list and know who to contact in case of an emergency. This can include emergency services, designated personnel, and other resources for support and assistance. It is also important to keep the emergency contact list updated and to ensure that all employees are aware of any changes.

In conclusion, active shooter incidents can happen anywhere and at any time. It is important for businesses to be prepared for such an event by developing an emergency action plan, regularly reviewing and updating the emergency action plan, conducting active shooter training, encouraging employees to report suspicious behavior, securing the building, being aware of exits, having a communication plan, training employees on how to respond to an active shooter incident, having a post-incident plan and having an emergency contact list. By keeping these tips in mind, businesses can help to reduce the number of casualties in an active shooter incident and minimize the emotional and psychological impact of such an incident.

References:

  1. https://www.cisa.gov/active-shooter-workshop-participant
  2. https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/active-shooter-how-to-respond-2017-508.pdf

Note:

DHS has crafted an independent study course, Active Shooter: What You Can Do  to offer the public guidance on how to prepare for and appropriately react in active shooter crisis events.

Upon completion of Active Shooter: What You Can Do, employees and managers will be able to:

  • Describe the actions to take when confronted with an active shooter and to assist responding law enforcement officials;
  • Recognize potential workplace violence indicators;
  • Describe actions to take to prevent and prepare for potential active shooter incidents; and
  • Describe how to manage the consequences of an active shooter incident.

The online training is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency Emergency Management Institute and additional training for law enforcement is available at Federal Emergency Management Agency Law Enforcement Active Shooter Emergency Response.