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.