Active Shooter Preparedness, Response and Recovery: A Checklist of Best Practices

Every week seems to bring heartbreaking news of another active shooter event in America – San Bernardino, Orlando, Dallas, Louisiana. While these situations can be overwhelming for the communities involved, they also present an opportunity for your campus security team to revisit your emergency response plan and reinforce a component for active shooter situations, with particular attention to preparedness, response and recovery.

We’ve compiled a checklist of best practice questions for you to consider. It’s wise to consult your school’s specific emergency response plan for any legalities or special concerns. This checklist also should be shared with staff and given to teaching faculty to cover with students during the first week of the semester or quarter.

Preparedness

  • Are active shooter drills conducted for your campus?
  • Are your faculty and staff aware of the nearest exits in their buildings? If an exit is blocked, are they aware of an alternative exit? In rare events, the active shooter blocks the exit intentionally.
  • If faculty and students cannot escape an active shooter in a building, do they know the next viable option for survival? If they are unable to escape, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) practices say to shelter in place and hide out of the active shooter’s view. If in an office, lock the door and barricade with heavy furniture. If in a classroom or lecture hall, lock the door, tum out the lights, barricade the door and move everyone to the farthest wall away from the door. In any situation, silence phones – including turning off vibrate feature – which can make noise. Remain quiet and hide behind or underneath large furniture.
  • If you are exiting a building with an active shooter and you pass by armed officers and SWAT team members, are you aware of how you should respond? Keep arms and hands visible at all times, spread your fingers, and avoid shouting, pointing or quick movements.

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