The name of this blog comes from our mission at INFLUENCE: “To empower people with clarity and confidence.”
Our objective is to provide brief but meaningful topics (under 500 words) that inspire, educate and empower leaders through resources both inside and outside of INFLUENCE. This week’s edition is provided by David Salmons.
In light of ongoing shooting tragedies, we’re reminded that corporate leaders can develop awareness, create action plans and train for the worst possibilities.
The following information is taken directly from resources published by The U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It describes how to respond to active shooter situations in business settings, although the information can be applied in most professional environments.
By definition, “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 firearms(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.”
The chief objective of this information is to “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.”
Here then are the 3 key responses to an active shooter situation as explained by Homeland Security.
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.
2. Hide. If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you. Your hiding place should:
- Be out of the active shooter’s view,
- Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e., an office with a closed/locked door),
- Not trap you or restrict your options for movement.
To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place:
- Lock the door,
- Blockade the door with heavy furniture.
In cases where an active shooter is close:
- Silence your cell phone and/or pager,
- Turn off any source of noise (i.e., radios, televisions),
- Hide behind large items (i.e., cabinets, desks),
- Remain quiet.
3. Take action against the shooter. If evacuation and hiding are not possible:
- Remain calm,
- Dial 911, if possible, to alert police to the active shooter’s location,
- If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen.
As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:
- Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her,
- Throwing items and improvising weapons,
- Yelling,
- Committing to your actions.
In conclusion, Homeland Security recommends that “To best prepare your staff for an active shooter situation, create an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), and conduct training exercises. Together, the EAP and training exercises will prepare your staff to effectively respond and help minimize loss of life.”
Local law enforcement teams are frequently willing to help with EAP training scenarios.
[https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/active_shooter_booklet.pdf]