It seems like every month our society is faced with an urgent text, Tweet, or Breaking News Alert on the TV announcing an Active Shooter scenario. This past month Ohio State University one of the largest public colleges in the United States was victim to such a scenario. The quick thinking of an Ohio State Security guard saved what is estimated as countless lives.
These scenarios pose the question of what would you do if you had an active shooter in your building, at your store or campus? How would your employees or tenants react? Have you provided training to employees, and tenants that could help them react and potentially save their life?
United Security Inc. does offer Active Shooter training through a seminar that we will facilitate on our client’s property. These training seminars are powerful because they provide tips and training that most people overlook, but can be critical in such a scenario. Below is quick sample of some terminology that is relayed during a seminar. How to respond to an Active Shooter Scenario –
RUN
- Have a pre-planned escape route
- Leave all personal belongs – laptops, phones, purses, bags behind
- Keep your hands visible so no suspects you may be carrying a weapon as you escape
HIDE
- Your second option is to locate a hiding spot
- Do not hide in groups as it makes for a larger easy target
- Turn off lights / barricade doors / silence at all costs
Fight
- As a last resort and if danger – Fight back’
- Attempt to knock out or detain the Active Shooter
- Identify a weapon to use such as a chair or fire extinguisher
