Active shooter preparedness tips

No workplace is immune to the risks of an active shooter incident. However, there are steps that you can take to ensure that your organization is prepared for the worst.

To prepare your staff for an active shooter situation, create an emergency action plan (EAP) and conduct training exercises. Together, the EAP and training activities will prepare your staff to effectively respond and help minimize loss of life.
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Active Shooter Emergency Action Plan

Preparing an emergency action plan helps all employees to understand the proper procedures for dealing with an active shooter situation and its aftermath. Create the EAP with input from several stakeholders, including HR, your training department (if one exists), employees, and local emergency responders.

Your plan should include:

• Instructions for reporting emergencies to proper authorities and remote locations within the premises;
• Contact information for area hospitals and emergency personnel; and
• Evacuation policies and procedures.

Active Shooter Training Exercises

Training exercises that simulate active shooter situations provide employees with critical education about the emergency action plan and reinforce practices that may help save lives.
The training regimen should include:

• Exercises to help recognize and react appropriately to gunfire
• When to call 911
• What to do when law enforcement arrives
• Exercises to develop a “survival mindset”

Contact local law enforcement and emergency response agencies for help with the design or facilitation of training exercises.

Active Shooter Prevention Measures

Cultivate a respectful environment in the workplace, and take steps to minimize the chances of an active shooter situation occurring at your workplace.

Organizational and facility management should:

• Conduct proper employee screening and background checks
• Adhere to procedures for reporting violent behavior
• Implement  access controls throughout the premises
• Distribute floor plans
• Prepare crisis kits

Active Shooter Warning Signs

Before an incident, active shooters usually exhibit traits of potentially violent behavior over an extended period of time. Know the warning signs, and train employees to be aware of them. Employees should report signs of potentially violent behavior to a manager or HR.


Common traits that may be indicative of potentially violent behavior include:

• Feelings of depression or withdrawal
• Increased use of drugs or alcohol
• Decreased attention to personal appearance or hygiene habits
• Resistance to policy or procedural changes or disregard of existing organizational policy
• Increased severe mood swings, unprovoked outbursts of anger, or unstable, overemotional reactions
• Increased talk of personal issues, suicide or death, firearms, or violent crimes

Please note that this list is not comprehensive, nor is it to be used as a diagnostic tool.  For comprehensive resources to safeguard your business and your employees, contact your account executive.