An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area. Recent active shooter incidents have underscored the need for a coordinated response by law enforcement and others to save lives. The South Kansas City and Grandview Chambers recently hosted a joint luncheon where Captain Ben Werner, Manager of Protective Force for Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, showed attendees just how important preparation can be in a mini Active Shooter training session.
Werner explained there are three main things to remember in the event of an active shooter: RUN, HIDE, FIGHT. If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises. If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you. As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter. The below video demonstrates this concept.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI have developed a series of materials to assist businesses, government offices, and schools in preparing for and responding to an active shooter. Free courses, materials, and workshops are available on the DHS website to help you prepare to deal with an active shooter situation and raise awareness of behaviors that represent pre-incident indicators and characteristics of active shooters.
Employees and management need to learn how to identify active shooter profiles before problems arise and know how to respond if a violent emergency situation occurs.
Here locally in Kansas City, we are fortunate to be next door to The National Security Campus, who offers free (yes, FREE) Active Shooter Training for businesses! If you are interested in Active Shooter Training for your employees, contact Captain Ben Werner at pwerner@kcp.com or by phone at (816) 488-5930 to set up a training date.
In addition to professional on-site Active Shooter Training, here are some ideas and resources available from the Department of Homeland Security to get you started down the road of preparation: Active Shooter Training Resources For Business
BIG THANKS to the Kansas City National Security Campus security team for providing us with this valuable training! For more information on Active Shooter Preparedness, please visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website.
