Active Shooter Preparedness: Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore It

Workplace violence is a growing concern across the nation, and active shooter events are becoming alarmingly frequent. In just five years, the number of active shooter incidents doubled, with 40 events occurring in 2020 alone, even during pandemic lockdowns.

Preparedness is key to surviving such events. This guide, based on insights from the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and C.O.B.R.A. Self-Defense System, covers essential steps to protect yourself and others in an active shooter situation.

Active shooter events are unpredictable and fast, but understanding how to respond can make all the difference.

An active shooter is someone actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined, populated area. These situations are unpredictable, chaotic, and often over in 10 to 15 minutes—before law enforcement can arrive.

Understanding what to expect during such an event can significantly increase your chances of survival.

Having a plan helps you stay calm and act decisively in high-stress situations.

When emergencies arise, our natural instinct is often to freeze. Having a plan in place can prevent panic and help you act decisively.

Know your exits: Always identify two exits wherever you are. Remember, windows can serve as exits if you’re on the third floor or lower. Recognize gunfire: Familiarize yourself with the sound of gunshots, which most people aren’t accustomed to hearing. Assist those in need: Be prepared to help individuals with special needs or physical challenges. Prepare for chaos: Expect screaming, smoke, and confusion during such incidents.

Having a mental plan will help you stay focused and respond quickly if an active shooter situation occurs.

Run, hide, or fight—know your options and commit to your course of action.

In an active shooter event, your options boil down to three key actions: Run, Hide, or Fight.

Run

• If you can escape safely, do so immediately. Every second counts.
• Run when the shooter is reloading to minimize risk.
• Leave your belongings behind—nothing is worth more than your life.
• Move erratically to make yourself a harder target.
• Stay low, keep your arms close to your sides, and exit the building with your hands visible, raised, and fingers spread.
• Call 911 when you’re safely out of the area.

Hide

• If running isn’t an option, find a secure hiding spot.
• Lock yourself in a room and barricade the door with heavy objects.
• Turn off lights to avoid detection.
• Silence your phone and remain as quiet as possible.
• Identify potential weapons in your surroundings, such as fire extinguishers or chairs.
• Look for items like backpacks, binders, or books to shield yourself from bullets.

Fight

• Fighting is a last resort and only if your life is in imminent danger.
• Use any available objects as weapons—tools, sprays, or furniture.
• Attack during the shooter’s vulnerable moments, such as while reloading.
• Work as a team if possible; one person should aim to secure the weapon while others subdue the shooter.
• Be aggressive and fight with determination—you are fighting for your life.

Play Dead As a final option, if all else fails, lie face down and play dead. Control your breathing as much as possible to avoid detection.

Calling 911 gives law enforcement the critical information they need to act quickly.

Calling 911 during an active shooter event is critical. The operator will ask several questions to provide law enforcement with the information they need:

• Location: Where is the shooter?
• Number of shooters: Are there multiple attackers?
• Description: What does the shooter look like?
• Weapons: What types of weapons are being used?
• People in danger: How many individuals are at risk?

If talking puts you at risk, leave the line open so the operator can listen in. Be sure to turn your phone volume all the way down to avoid alerting the shooter.

Stay calm, follow instructions, and show officers you’re not a threat when help arrives.

Police officers are trained to neutralize the threat as quickly as possible. Here’s what you should do when they arrive:

• Stay out of their way: Follow instructions but avoid unnecessary interactions.
• Remain calm: Avoid screaming, pointing, or making sudden movements.
• Keep your hands visible: Raise your hands with fingers spread to show you’re not a threat.
• Exit safely: Leave the area if directed, but only stop to speak to officers if asked.

Officers may initially bypass injured individuals to secure the area. Remember, their priority is to stop the shooter and prevent further harm.

Workplaces can improve safety by creating action plans, practicing drills, and encouraging open communication.

While we hope to never encounter an active shooter situation, preparation can make all the difference. Workplaces should take proactive measures to ensure employee safety:

• Develop an Emergency Action Plan: Outline procedures for active shooter events and train employees to respond.
• Conduct Drills: Regularly practice active shooter scenarios to familiarize employees with their roles.
• Improve Security: Install locks, surveillance cameras, and emergency communication systems.
• Encourage Reporting: Create a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting suspicious behavior or threats.

References

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Active Shooter Resources https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/safety-resources/active-shooter-safety-resources

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – Active Shooter Preparedness https://www.dhs.gov/cisa/active-shooter-preparedness

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Workplace Violence https://www.osha.gov/workplace-violence

The resources provided offer further insights into emergency preparedness, helping you respond effectively and stay safe during critical incidents.