Are You Prepared If An Active Shooter Is In Your Workspace?

In the SEAL teams, we are constantly training to improve because we learned in the most extreme circumstances we will fall back on our training. Training creates a neural pathway that allows you to respond more effectively under pressure. Active shooter awareness is no exception. No one ever thinks it will happen to them. But the sad reality is that mass shootings are becoming more common in the United States. In fact, there have been more mass shootings in the US than in any other country. As business owners, managers, proactive employees, and citizens willing to make a difference it is our responsibility to keep our workplaces safe.

A single simple solution does not exist; it takes layers of preparedness and training to mitigate the risk and increase the ability to save life.

Here are five best practices for active shooter preparedness.

Understand The Threat

The first step to preventing a mass shooting is to understand the threat. Know the warning signs of someone who may be planning an attack. Look for changes in behavior, such as an increase in aggression or withdrawal from social activities. Other warning signs include:

Making aggressive or threatening statements.
Stockpiling weapons.
Exhibiting extreme interest in previous mass shootings.
Significant pattern of life changes

If you see these signs, don't hesitate to speak up. It could save lives.

Have A Plan - Do you know the Run, Hide, Fight methodology?

Once you understand the threat, you need to have a plan. What will you do if an active shooter comes into your workplace? Where will your employees go? How will they know the threat has been eliminated? How do you maintain an accurate headcount? These are all questions that need to be answered before an incident occurs. Employees should rehearse the plan, so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

Be Prepared - Have you practiced your procedures?

In addition to having a plan, you also need to be prepared. Make sure your employees know where the exits are and that they know how to use them. They should also know how to barricade themselves in a room if necessary. Employees should have access to first aid kits and know how to use them. Lastly, make sure everyone knows who to call if an incident does occur: 911 for emergency assistance and your company's HR department for support afterward.

ABC News: UCLA Campus shooting scare 2016 - Students use printers, power cords, and tables to barricade the door.

Remain Calm

One of the most important things you can do during an active shooter situation is to remain calm. This can be difficult, but it is essential for keeping yourself and your employees safe. Panicking will only make the situation worse and make it more difficult for police to apprehend the shooter(s). If you can stay calm, you will be better able to think clearly and make decisions that could save lives.

Call 911 Immediately

If an active shooter does come into your workplace, the first thing you should do is call 911. Once you have made the call, follow the dispatcher's instructions carefully. Be prepared to run, hide, and/or fight!

No one ever wants to think about what they would do in an active shooter situation. But it is our responsibility to be prepared. By following these five best practices, we can help keep our team safe in case of an emergency.

Does your business have an Emergency Action Plan?

You're not alone. Every day, business owners are looking for new and innovative ways to reduce the risk of a data breach or other security incidents. That's where Fortified Risk Group comes in. We were founded by former Navy SEALs with over 35 years of experience in international, domestic, public, and private security services. We're experts in evaluating risk and creating plans to reduce it.

Our systematic process is designed to create lasting relationships with clients that foster an atmosphere of shared goals for safety. We take security seriously, and so should you.

info@fortifiedrisk.com