The Manager's Guide to Terrorism, Risk, and Insurance - Episode Five- Active Shooters Podcast By cover art

The Manager's Guide to Terrorism, Risk, and Insurance - Episode Five- Active Shooters

The Manager's Guide to Terrorism, Risk, and Insurance - Episode Five- Active Shooters

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Hello and Welcome to The Manager’s Guide to Terrorism, Risk, and Insurance – Essential for Today’s Business. The authors are David J. Smith and Mark D. Silinsky. This is a Rothstein Publishing product. These are podcasts analyzing the intersection of today’s business practices and international terrorism. They are brought as a courtesy of Kensington Security Consulting, which brings education to national security. In this fifth episode, we turn to active shooters in the workplace. What should you do if somebody starts shooting? How can you protect your coworkers? An Active Shooter at Work Active shooter situations are unpredictable and can develop quickly. When the shooting begins, many of your employees will likely be terrified, and some may become immobilized with fear. Make sure your security manager has a plan in place and that it has been tested. If a shooting occurs, consider these steps: If you can evacuate safely, do so. If evacuation isn't possible, shelter in place. If the shooter comes near you or if you feel the need to intervene to protect your employees or customers, take action against the attacker. Evacuate If an escape route is available, use it to evacuate. As a business leader, you may have specific responsibilities during an active shooter situation. Make sure you understand these duties, as well as those of your superiors and subordinates. Ensure your employees are aware of this guidance, and rehearse the plan with your boss and some of your most trusted employees. Clearly communicate that if there is an active shooter, they will have particular responsibilities. Have an Escape Route and Plan Have an escape route and plan, and make sure your employees know it. In some active shooter situations, knowing the exit locations can save lives. During the November 2015 shooting at the Bataclan music club in Paris, a guard opened the backdoor and shouted to patrons to come to him. This action saved lives, demonstrating that quick thinking during an active shooter event could be life-saving for your company as well. Ensure your employees are aware of an escape route. Be prepared for the possibility that an attacker might be blocking evacuation or stationed outside to prevent people from fleeing. Stay alert to these risks. Have an Escape Route and Plan Have an escape route and plan in place, and ensure your employees are familiar with it. In some active shooter situations, knowing the exit locations can save lives. For example, in Paris in November 2015, there was a shooting at the Bataclan music club. A guard ensured the backdoor was opened and shouted to patrons to come to his voice. This saved some lives, and quick thinking during an active shooter incident could save lives in your company as well. Make sure to identify escape routes for your employees. If an attack is sophisticated, a terrorist might prevent evacuation or be positioned outside to kill those fleeing. Be aware of these possibilities. Some workers may refuse to leave, even if instructed by police or rescue units, often out of obligation or courage. However, you should encourage anyone who can evacuate to do so, and to leave all belongings behind. You can help facilitate escape by remaining calm but firm. Assert your authority and insist that everyone leave. Prevent others from entering areas where an active shooter may be present. Remember to keep your hands visible and follow instructions from first responders. Be cautious when moving wounded individuals, as sometimes moving a severely injured person can worsen the situation. Those with flesh wounds or who need support can be assisted out. This is often a difficult judgment call that requires your best discretion. Call emergency services when you are in a safe location. Shelter in Place Sometimes it’s not possible to evacuate a building. You need to have your employees find a place where the active shooter is less likely to find them. Tell them to silence their cell phones, stay quiet and calm, and call emergency personnel if possible. Try to stay out of the shooter’s view and look for a structure that is more likely to protect you if he starts shooting. Check for an escape route so you don’t get trapped, and see if the door has locks. Even if there are locks, use furniture to block the door. If there are any windows in your shelter area, see if you can open them. Be ready if the perpetrator enters the room. Take Action Against the Active Shooter Sometimes, you and your employees cannot evacuate or find shelter. If your life is in immediate danger, try to overpower the shooter by acting aggressively. Are there heavy items you can throw? Are there knives or scissors? What about heavy objects? Yelling might help. Make sure you're committed to your actions. If you need to charge at him, plan to go through with it. Support First Responder Efforts No matter where you are, help is likely to arrive eventually. In some countries, police and ...
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