Feb 26, 2016

By: Chelsea Haley, DKI Ventures, LLC

Are you and your employees prepared for a potential workplace shooting? We never hope for a disaster, especially a fatal one. Yet, it’s important to always be prepared for the unexpected. Follow the tips below.

Prepare:

• Hold a workplace shooting safety course as part of your safety meetings. Make sure all employees are aware of what to do in a situation.
• Identify all of your exits (including second story windows). If the shooter is blocking one, you may need a back-up option.

Note: It is best to allow your employees to find their own escape routes/hiding places, as to not expose these to potential shooters.

Evacuate:

• Remove your shoes if they prohibit you from running quickly.
• Do not stay to collect your belongings. Leave them behind.
• Call 911 when it is safe to do so.
• If you have your mobile phone on hand, silence it.

Hide:

If you cannot evacuate the premises, find a hidden location where your intruder/gunman is least likely to discover you.

• Shut and lock or blockade the door.
• Do not block yourself in a way that restricts you from moving.
• Remain silent.

Additional Tips:

• Do NOT try to be the hero. Get out as quickly and safely as possible; don’t wait for others to follow.
• When the police arrive on scene, follow their instructions.
• Do not attempt to move those who are injured.
• 98 percent of shooting attacks are carried out by a single perpetrator. If you can avoid the area where you hear gunfire, you are usually safe.