While exceptionally rare, an active shooter event is often what most people fear and think of when it comes to workplace security. These events unfold quickly and often unpredictably. Do NOT wait for an announcement if you believe you may be in an active shooter incident. Take action immediately. Having a plan in place ahead of time can help you transform that fear into action. The easiest thing to remember is the Run, Hide, Fight mantra of this video produced by the City of Houston Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security.
Run/ Evacuate:
• Have an escape plan in mind.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Keep your hands visible.
Hide Out:
• Turn off the lights.
• Silence all cell phones.
• Stay silent.
• Hide in an area outside the shooter’s view.
• Block entry to your hiding place and lock doors.
Take Action/ Fight:
• Only as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger.
• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
• Have the will to survive.
• Use available tools in the room to survive.
• Speed is essential.
Arrival of Law Enforcement:
• Remain calm and follow the officer’s instructions.
• Immediately raise hands and spread fingers.
• Keep your hands visible at all times.
• Avoid making quick movements towards officers such as trying to hold onto them for safety.
• Avoid pointing, screaming, or yelling.
• Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating. Just exit in the same direction from which the officers are entering the area.
• The first officers on the scene are there to stop the shooter, medical help will come later.
iidon Security Associates 