Active Shooter Emergencies
Although not originally considered as part of the emergency action plan, it's now important to include training with exercises to plan for the event an active shooter is discovered in the workplace.
Together, the EAP and training exercises will prepare your staff to effectively respond and help minimize loss of life.
An Active Shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearm(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.
Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Typically, the immediate deployment of law enforcement is required to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to victims.
Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.
How to Respond to Active Shooter Emergencies
Quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life. Remember that customers and clients are likely to follow the lead of employees and managers during an active shooter situation. The Department of Homeland Security recommends you take the following actions:
1. Evacuate: If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises. Be sure to:
- Have an escape route and plan in mind.
- Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
- Leave your belongings behind.
- Help others escape, if possible.
- Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be.
- Keep your hands visible.
- Follow the instructions of any police officers.
- Do not attempt to move wounded people.
- Call 911 when you are safe.
Continue to the next section for more information on how to respond to an active shooter emergency.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-9. You must have an active shooter plan because an active shooter emergency _____.
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