Active Shooter Preparedness

Presentation from December 21st Community Training: Click here to view PDF



These are challenging times in society. The threat of an active shooter in a populated place is on the minds of both the public and law enforcement. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Have you thought about what you and your family would do? You have three options: RUN, HIDE, FIGHT

The FBI recently released an Active Shooter Study covering events from 2000-2013 occurring in the United States. Here are some of the findings:

Number of incidents are increasing
The shooter could be anyone, there is no profile.
70% of incidents occurred in educational or business environments
Incidents occurred in 40 states
Most involve a single shooter
Incidents can occur anytime and anywhere to anyone

RUN, HIDE, FIGHT-In Depth

RUN
  • If you can get out safely, do it! 
  • Evacuate whether others agree to or not. 
  • Leave your belongings behind. 
  • Help others to escape, if possible. 
  • Prevent others from entering the area. 
  • Call 911 when you are safe.

HIDE
  • If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide. 
  • Your hiding place should be out of the shooter’s view, provide protection if shots are fired in your direction, and not trap or restrict your options for movement. 
  • Silence your phone.

FIGHT
  • As a last resort and if your life is in danger, attempt to incapacitate the shooter. 
  • Act with physical aggression- your life depends on it. 
  • Improvise weapons.
  • COMMIT to your actions. 

WHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT ARRIVES
  • Remain calm and follow instructions
  • Put down any items in your hands (bags, jackets)
  • Raise hands and spread fingers
  • Keep hands visible at all times
  • Avoid quick movements towards officers such as holding on to them for safety
  • Avoid point, screaming, or yelling
  • Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating

INFORMATION TO PROVIDE TO 911 OPERATORS
  • Location of the active shooter
  • Number of shooters
  • Physical descriptions of shooters
  • Number and type of weapons in possession of shooters
  • Number of potential victims at the location

PREPARING YOUR FAMILY
You can prepare yourself and family by having a plan. Whether at work, school, or in another public place:
  • Do you know where the exits are?
  • If you get separated, where will you meet up? 
  • Where can you run?
  • Where can you hide? 
  • What would you use to fight?
  • What do you expect your children to do in the event of an active shooter at school?