How to approach active shooter drills in the workplace

The Non-Violence Project, a nonprofit, research centre, has found the current or former workplaces of perpetrators were the most common sites for mass shootings, which the organisation defines as four or more people killed by a firearm.

The increase in active shooter incidents highlights the need for preparedness. While the topic is sensitive and raises debates about its effectiveness and potential trauma, active shooter drills are vital for workplace safety. This guide explores essential components of conducting these drills while considering employee mental well-being and workplace dynamics.

Defining and Understanding an Active Shooter Threat

An active shooter event involves an individual using firearms to harm and kill as many people as possible. The FBI defines an active shooter as someone actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area. These incidents require swift and informed responses to minimise harm and save lives. Preparing for such scenarios is a responsible approach in today’s world.

Should Your Organisation Run Active Shooter Drills?

Conducting active shooter drills is controversial. Some argue the likelihood of such an event is low, leading to unnecessary stress for employees. However, the potential consequences of being unprepared can be severe. Organisations should weigh the mental stress these drills may cause against the benefits of preparedness. A trauma-informed approach can help, ensuring employees receive support to cope with any emotional impact. For remote-first organisations, crisis communication and preparedness training remain crucial, even if physical drills are less applicable.

Three-Step Guide to Running Effective Active Shooter Drills

1. Develop a Comprehensive Response Plan

• Tailor the plan to your organisation, considering all security and safety aspects.
• Collaborate with security professionals and law enforcement.
• Include detailed procedures for lockdowns, evacuations, and communication protocols.

2. Run a Practice Drill

• Conduct practice drills ranging from tabletop exercises to full-scale simulations.
• Clearly state, “This is a drill,” to minimize confusion.
• Prepare employees to respond effectively and confidently during a crisis.

3. Review and Debrief Post-Drill

• Conduct a thorough review and debriefing session.
• Assess communication effectiveness, evacuation procedures, and role understanding.
• Provide support for any emotional stress experienced during the drill.
• Use feedback to improve the response plan over time.

Ensuring the safety of your workplace during an active shooter event requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some essential tips to keep your workplace safer in the face of this critical threat:

Implement a comprehensive workplace safety program

The foundation of a secure workplace begins with a robust safety program. Such a program should encompass various safety measures, including active shooter preparedness. Regularly review and update your safety program to align with best practices and the evolving threat landscape.

Educate all employees on “Run, Hide, Fight”

Every employee should be familiar with the “run, hide, fight” concept—an essential mental framework to navigate an active shooter situation.

• “Run” encourages individuals to escape the danger zone if it’s safe to do so.
• “Hide” means finding a secure hiding place and silencing devices.
• “Fight” should be a last resort, when there’s no other option, and it involves taking actions to incapacitate the shooter.

Leverage emergency communication tools

Emergency communication tools play a pivotal role in keeping employees informed and safe during an active shooter event. Public warning systems can alert individuals in and around the workplace to potential threats, while mass notification platforms enable rapid dissemination of critical information. Having these tools in place ensures that communication remains uninterrupted, facilitating swift responses to evolving situations.

By incorporating these tips into your workplace safety strategy, you create an environment where preparedness and vigilance are paramount. While it’s impossible to predict when an active shooter event may occur, proactive measures empower employees to respond effectively and maximize their safety in a critical situation.  By fostering a culture of preparedness and vigilance, organisations can create safer work environments that protect employees and empower them to respond effectively in the face of adversity.

For more information on how you can prepare, or to speak to one of our risk management experts, contact us at info@locate.global.