ACTIVE SHOOTER COVERAGE
Protection If The Unthinkable Happens :
Active Shooter Coverage
According to the FBI , active shooter incidents have become more frequent and more severe in recent years , with a 96.8 % rise in the number of events between 2017 and 2021 . With advanced weaponry and increased frequency , three out of the five deadliest mass shootings in US history took place in the last 10 years .
Active shooter incidents can carry various consequences . These incidents often result in fatalities , serious injuries , and prolonged trauma among those involved . Additionally , such incidents can leave lasting impacts on the locations in which they occur — namely , commercial properties . Organizations that encounter active shooter incidents could face substantial recovery expenses , regulatory penalties , and liability concerns .
It ’ s vital for organizations to better understand active shooter incidents and how to protect against them . +
COMMONLY TARGETED LOCATIONS
Usually , active shooters select “ soft targets and crowded places ” ( ST-CPs ) when planning their attacks . ST-CPs are areas that are accessible to the public and have limited security measures in place such as malls , transportation hubs , schools , entertainment venues , and sporting events . Recent FBI data highlights the industries that are commonly targeted by active shooters :
• Commerce / Retail ( 52.4 %)
• Government ( 4.9 %)
• Education ( 3.3 %)
• Religious Organizations ( 1.6 %)
• Healthcare ( 1.6 %) IIMPACT ON ORGANIZATIONS
All targeted organizations could face serious ramifications . They may be responsible for medical bills , funeral costs , workers ’ compensation claims , property repairs , counseling services , and business interruption expenses .
Businesses may also face penalties for violating OSHA ’ s general duty clause if they failed to properly protect their employees from a “ recognized hazard .”
Determining an organization ’ s liability for injuries and damages requires the consideration of the following factors :
• Reasonable foreseeability : Could the organization predict or reasonably foresee this event happening ?
• Effectiveness of security : The review will analyze all security measures taken by the entity to protect its employees from this hazard .
• Possibility of Negligence : An organization may be held liable for injuries and damages from active shooter events if they failed to take proper steps to minimize the incident .
PREVENTION AND RESPONSE MEASURES
Effective prevention and response measures are critical when dealing with situations that could , quite literally , be the difference between life and death . Organizations should prioritize the following when building their prevention strategy :
• Proper security protocols
• Monitoring applicable parties
• Employee training
• Establishing an Emergency Action Plan ( EAP )
• Guidance from law enforcement and legal counsel
INSURANCE CONSIDERATIONS
In conjunction with the previously mentioned risk management measures , organizations should be sure to safeguard against potential losses stemming from active shooter incidents by securing sufficient insurance . Namely , active shooter coverage — also called deadly weapons or active assailant insurance — can be purchased as a supplement to
BY : GWENYTH P . LUU , CLCS PARTNER , COMMERCIAL LINES JGS INSURANCE , A BALDWIN RISK PARTNER
standard policies ( e . g ., commercial property or general liability coverage ). This type of insurance is designed to fill possible coverage gaps by assisting with various costs and services related to active shooter incidents , including preincident consulting , crisis management services , victim compensation and support , incident response resources , property repairs or replacements , business interruptions , loss of attraction , and legal liability or litigation expenses .
PREPARATION AND RESPONSE PLANNING
As active shooter incidents continue to rise in frequency and severity , organizations need to carefully consider their risk and actively engage in response preparedness activities . By learning about these incidents , implementing effective prevention and response measures , and purchasing proper coverage , organizations can help minimize losses stemming from mass shootings . +
Gwenyth P . Luu helps organizations improve their bottom line and lower their total cost of risk by implementing the JGS Proactive Service Platform . The JGS Proactive Service Platform is an inclusive strategy that focuses on primary cost drivers of a risk management program . Gwenyth helps businesses understand all of their potential and actual costs and liabilities , execute an actionable strategy , and deliver superior client service and support . The JGS Proactive Service Platform is driven by continuous strategy and service delivered on a daily basis throughout the year . The service platform includes risk control strategies , claims advocacy and management , contract reviews and insurance program design reviews .
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