If you haven’t watched it already, below is the release of the City of Houston’s 6-minute video on how to react to a workplace shooting. Plans to make the video public were made sooner, as a reaction of the Colorado public shooting and released shortly after. According to the video, there are three best ways to react in case of an encounter with a shooter: Run, Hide, Fight.

Run

  • When an active shooter is in your vicinity, run.
  • If there is an escape path, attempt to evacuate.
  • Evacuate whether others agree to or not.
  • Leave your belongings behind.
  • Help others escape if possible.
  • Prevent others from entering the area.
  • Call 9-1-1 when you are safe.

Hide

  • If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide.
  • Lock and/or barricade the door.
  • Silence your cell phone.
  • Turn out the lights.
  • Hide behind large objects.
  • Remain very quiet.
  • Your hiding place should be out of the shooter’s view, provide protection if shots are fired in your direction and not trap or restrict your options for movement.

Fight

  • As a last resort, if your life is in danger, fight back.
  • Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
  • Act with physical aggression.
  • Improvise weapons, such as using a chair or fire extinguisher to strike the shooter.
  • Commit to your actions.

Remember though, workplace violence CAN be prevented. For onsite training and planning, give us a call at 407-353-8165 or visit or Workplace Violence Page for more information.