Tips to Enhance Survival During an Active Shooter Incident

"Active Shooter" actor from a full-scale exercise
(photo by Preparedness, LLC)

Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Mike Wood’s article “What cops need to tell their families about active shooters,” (PoliceOne.com) should be read by everyone venturing out into public.

• Maintain situational awareness
• Know where the exits are
• Get off the floor.
• Don’t volunteer to be deaf and blind
• Limit alcohol consumption in public
• Have a plan
• Be careful with your communication devices
• Know how to act when the police arrive
• Learn first aid basics.
• Be prepared

Personal preparedness is essential. When a hostile event unfolds, no one is going to direct you to exits, concealment, or cover. It’s up to you.

Organizations have a lot of work to do, too. Human resource practices, effective physical and operational security, threat detection, warning and communication systems, and many more elements of a preparedness program should be implemented. Read the Preparedness Bulletin “Acts of Violence” for detailed guidance.