First and foremost, I hope this never happens to you and your employees. I pray you never hear these words. That being said, it is critical that you and your team are well prepared for whatever happens should someone enter your building with a loaded weapon. You must be prepared, and the best way is to receive as much training in active shooter preparedness and response as possible. If you ever see anything strange, tell someone. Keep your eyes and ears open for any possible threats that might occur.
Preparedness Means Having a Plan
You and your team should know what to do in the case of an active shooter. There must be a plan in place and hopefully you have an active shooter policy in place that all of your employees are aware of. Always know where your exits are located and have a mental escape pathway to use as well as places you may be able to hide. In healthcare facilities, you must also have a plan for individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
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Homeland Security has laid out a plan based on best practices developed from previous active shooter events. Remember three words: RUN, HIDE, and FIGHT.
RUN – This means find an escape and get out as quickly as possible if you can. Get as far away from the shooter as possible. Leave your personal belonging behind, they can be replaced. If you can, help others around you to escape as well. Once you are outside of the active shooter area, warn others to stay away. However, there will unfortunately be times when you cannot run.
HIDE – When escape is not possible, the next best thing to do is hide somewhere safe. This means get out of the way of the shooter and remain as calm, still and quiet as you can. Don’t forget to silence your phone once you’re in hiding. If there are doors, block them or lock them. Turn off any lights that may give away your hiding space. Try not to hide in groups, but spread out. Call authorities quickly and quietly. Use text messages or social media to tag where you are located. Stay put until the police arrive and give you the all clear.
FIGHT – This is used as a last resort, but sometimes it is necessary to minimize casualties. If you cannot run or hide, then fighting the person holding the gun may be your only option. If you do fight, you must mentally commit to it. You must act as aggressively as you can to take the shooter down. Use anything in your immediate environment as a weapon, like furniture, fire extinguishers or scissors. Be ready to inflict severe or lethal injury to the individual with the gun. Throw items around in the area to distract the shooter while others execute an attack.
After the Event
This is such an unpleasant but necessary topic. We go to work for lots of reasons. Being shot at is not one of them. After the event is over, cooperate with the police. Make sure they see that your hands are clear and empty. Law enforcement is there to end the event in any way they can. They may have to pass up harmed individuals along the way to apprehend the shooter and bring the event to a close.
You may be subjected to tear gas, pepper spray, handguns, rifles and other weapons until the event is over. When officers shout commands, do as they tell you. Do not question them. Take care of yourself first and then help others. If you are injured, get help. If others are injured or in danger, help them to safety. Provide first aid if you know how to. If unconscious people are on the ground, turn them to their sides and keep them warm. If you feel you have difficulties after the event and perhaps are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, seek professional help.
I’m proud that we have a series of courses on Collins Learning about active shooter survival. Please take some time to review what we offer.