We all know active shootings are on the rise. Businesses need tips for preparing staff to respond to an active shooter because employees are the first defense in any emergency situation. Find out how you can prepare your best assets.
Update Your EAP
An emergency action plan (EAP) details what staff should do in case of an emergency. Whether the building faces a fire, power outage, theft, or bomb threats, an EAP informs everyone of their roles. Update yours to include information on what to do if your building has an armed intruder.
Provide Training
It’s not enough to create an EAP and expect everyone to read it. You must go over the policy and ensure everyone understands it. Consider creating lessons and testing your staff to ensure they know what to do if there’s an emergency.
Run, Hide, Fight
Depending on your building, staff may default to natural fight or flight options. Most will choose to run when facing an active shooter threat. Staff should always prioritize their own safety and leave the property. If that isn’t an option, they should hide. When hiding, they should lock doors and barricade themselves to prevent the shooter from reaching them. The last option is to fight. Tips for fighting an active shooter include:
- Throwing things
- Yelling
- Acting aggressively
- Improvising weapons
- Incapacitating the shooter
Lockdown
If your building or situation doesn’t allow you to let people leave, a lockdown is another option. As with hiding, everyone should lock doors and barricade themselves. Try to stay away from windows and turn off the lights, so the shooter will think the room is empty.
Run Drills
Telling people the plan isn’t enough if you want them to follow through. Proper training involves drills to ensure everyone knows what to do during an emergency. Work with local law enforcement to coordinate active shooter drills in your office or building.
Running drills with law enforcement is a great way to make sure your public safety DAS is working. It’s important to know what an emergency responder communication system is and how it can aid first responders.
Solidify Communication Methods
Your staff needs to know when your building is under attack, so they don’t show up in the middle of it. Communicate to let people know what’s going on. Use text and email alerts to ensure people receive your message.
Use these tips for preparing staff to respond to an active shooter to keep everyone on the same page. Have a plan for your buildings and staff and train them regularly to ensure everyone knows what to do if there’s an emergency. No one likes to think about the worst things that can happen, but we must plan to protect ourselves and those around us.