AST March 2018 Magazine March 2018 Final -3.3.18 | Page 33

Volume 21
March 2018 Edition
Are Your Employees Prepared
for an Active Shooter Situation?
Proper training and practice can equip employees with information to make smart decisions under pressure. These kinds of events unfold quick-
ly, and preparation is critical to surviving such an incident.
By John Arendes, VP and GM, Global Compliance Solutions,
Skillsoft
Today, tragic events in the news are far too common-
place.
In recent years, the United States has witnessed shoot-
ings in schools, shopping malls, places of worship,
nightclubs and workplaces.
What if the perpetrator is near the exit?
What if there are gunshots and it’s not safe to move?
It’s important that organizations and businesses proactively
plan for possible incidents and educate employees on how
to prepare and respond to those scenarios.
FBI data shows a dramatic increase in annual active shooter
events, from one incident in 2000 to 20 in 2016.
While the likeliho od of experiencing an active shooter incident is
minimal, it could happen to anyone. Proper planning, procedures
and training can be the difference between life and death.
Most companies create an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for natural
disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, fires and tornados, but few
have a plan in the event of an active shooter or violent attacker.
A simple escape plan, like a typical fire drill, is not enough.
(DHS reviews the choices of evacuating, hiding, or, as an option of last resort, chal-
lenging the shooter. Also shows how to assist authorities once law enforcement
enters the scene. Courtesy of DHS)
31