What Does Preparedness Mean To You? Tell Me and You May Win A Prize

Preparedness and being prepared mean different things to different people. To many people being prepared means having enough water and canned food, or power bars to get them through a couple of days. To others it means being ready to survive for a year or more on their own.

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Are You Prepared For an Active Shooter? Steps You Can Take To Prepare Today!

Recently I mentioned workplace violence and the need to address that issue within the business. Another type of workplace violence on the rise over the last few years is that of the Active Shooter, which is typically, but not always a disgruntled employee, customer, student or even an acquaintance of a current or former employee.

First, what exactly is an Active Shooter? The Department of Homeland Security defines an Active Shooter as: an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.

Before continuing on we need to clear up some misconceptions about active shooter scenarios and situations. First, it is not a new phenomenon. Active shooter incidents have been occurring for many years, and in the United States as far back as August 1, 1968 at the University of Texas in which 14 people were killed.  I am excluding other events, and acts of violence to focus solely on active shooter type events.

Second, if we include Europe, the events go back to June 20, 1913 to an event known as the Bremen school shooting, in Bremen, Germany and in Canada as far back as October 10, 1902 in an incident known as the Altona schoolhouse shooting. So, contrary to popular notion these events are not exclusive to the United States.

Third, not all of these events occur at schools, but schools in particular have had quite a history of active shooter incidents and have security vulnerabilities that are likely to make them targets of future incidents.

What is the intention of the active shooter? The active shooter is often acting out of frustration and rage.  They usually see their act as attempting to correct some event they perceive as a wrong that has been committed against them. The active shooter has a desire to kill and usually is not concerned with their own life, safety, or threat of capture. Active shooters will also usually have intended victims and will search them out.  Active shooter will accept targets of opportunity while searching for or even after finding their intended victims.

Another thing to know about active shooters is that the active shooter will often move throughout a building or area until either stopped by law enforcement, they commit suicide, or are stopped by other intervention.

The active shooter situation is highly unpredictable and events involving active shooters unfold very quickly often ending within 10 to 15 minutes. This is typically before law enforcement arrives on scene. It is for these reasons that every business and school should be prepared to confront this issue and make it part of their planning process.

It is something most planners and law enforcement officials dread. The active shooter scenario is by many accounts difficult to plan for and often impossible to predict, especially the who, and when. But it is possible to prepare and train for it and even mitigate some of the potential of it occurring if done properly. Another step in preventing this scenario is dealing with work place violence and threats of violence appropriately from the onset as discussed in a previous article: .

What are some other things you can do to deter this event from taking place at your school or business?

1. Have an active and highly visible security force and ensure they are trained and equipped to deal with such an event.
2. Having both concealed and visible security cameras can also act as a deterrent. 
3. Have an electronic security system with electronic ID access for employees.
4. Have all visitors, contractors, and guests to your facility sign in.
5. Train employees to recognize trouble or potential issues early.
6. Make counseling services available to those who need it.
7. Have a notification and alerting system, along with procedures for its use during an active shooter situation.
8. Post evacuation routes in hallways and near exits which are also removable so emergency response personnel can utilize them.
9. Include your local law enforcement and other emergency response personnel in your active shooter training exercises.
10. Create a respectful workplace.

What should you do if an active shooter situation does occur where you work or go to school? There are a number of ways to handle the situation, the first and often the best choice is to evacuate.

1. Have an escape route plan in mind and use it.
2. Evacuate whether or not other with you agree to follow.
3. Leave all your belongings behind.
4. If possible, help others escape.
5. Try to prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be.
6. Keep your hands visible.
7. Follow all instructions from police officers.
8. Do not attempt to move injured or wounded people.
9. When safe to do so, call 911.

If you can’t evacuate, the next best option is to hide in a place where the active shooter is not likely to find you. The place you choose to hide should be out of view of the active shooter, provide protection if shots are fired in your direction and should not trap you or restrict your options for movement. When hiding be sure to do the following.

1. Lock the door.
2. Blockade the door with heavy furniture.
3. Silence your cell phone and/or pager.
4. Turn off any other source of noise such as a radio or television.
5. Hide behind large items.
6. Remain quiet and calm.
7. Call 911 if you can to alert police to the active shooters location.
8. If you cannot speak just leave the line open for the dispatcher to listen in.

Lastly, if evacuation and hiding are not options, as a last resort and only as a last resort, you can attempt to take action against the active shooter. You can do this by taking the following actions.

1. Acting as aggressively as possible against the active shooter.
2. Yelling at the active shooter.
3. Throwing items and improvised weapons at the active shooter.
4. Attempting to overtake and subdue the active shooter, but you must commit to your actions if you take these steps.

Once the police arrive on scene to an active shooter incident they will likely take action using the Immediate Action Rapid Deployment (IARD) so it is possible only one or a small team of police officers may enter the area or building the active shooter is in. In the past it was common for the police to wait for a SWAT team, but these incidents take place so fast, additional action was needed and IARD was developed in response to active shooter situations.

Be aware that police officers arriving on scene will be heavily armed, possibly with rifles and shotguns and may be wearing heavy outer bulletproof vests, helmets, and other tactical equipment. Be prepared for the police to take the following actions.

1. The police will likely use pepper spray and or tear gas.
2. Responding officers will be shouting commands, and may push or force people to the ground for their safety.

Here are some things you should do when law enforcement arrives on the scene.

1. Listen for and follow the police officers instructions
2. Put down anything in your hands, including bags, jackets, cell phones and keys.
3. Immediately raise your hands and spread your fingers.
4. Keep your hands visible at all times.
5. Avoid making any quick movements.
6. Avoid grabbing or attempting to hold onto the officers for their safety and yours.
7. Do not make sudden movements towards the officers.
8. Avoid screaming, pointing and yelling.
9. Do not stop to ask officers for help or directions, just proceed in the direction from where the officers came from. 
10. Be aware that the initial police officers in the building will not stop to aid injured victims.

If you are able to successfully call 911 and speak with a dispatcher be prepared to answer the following questions.

1. Location of the active shooter.
2. Number of shooters, if more than one is involved.
3. A physical description of the shooter(s).
4. Type and number of weapons the shooter(s) may have.
5. The number of potential victims that are at the location.

This is a fairly long list of things you should be aware of during any active shooting incident, and yet it is only just touching on the issue. One of the most important things is that you prepare, train, and if you can, involve local law enforcement and emergency personnel into your planning.  

Active Shooter Video

When Seconds Count: Stopping Active Shooters

Workplace Violence and What to Do About It

Most people consider their place of work safe and free from violence.  No one really wants to think that when they leave for work they will have to confront verbal abuse, threats, or deal with physical assaults and homicide. However, workplace violence is a growing problem and concern for both employers and employees nationwide.

In fact, according to OSHA, two million Americans are victims of workplace violence every year. People who work in certain professions also face an increased risk of violence. These professions include anyone who exchanges money with the public; delivers passengers, goods or services; people who work alone or in small groups; healthcare workers, social service workers, probation workers, gas and utility workers, phone and cable TV installers, letter carriers, and retail workers.

Employers need to consider workplace violence as having the potential of happening in their office or place of business, and also need to educate employees on how to handle such issues. For instance, the employer should establish a workplace violence prevention program, and ensure that all employees know the policy and have that policy within an employee handbook.

Some things the policy should contain is a policy to carry only a minimal amount of money, make drops into the safe often. Also avoid traveling alone and avoid unfamiliar locations and situations when possible.  Be sure to call the police after any violent incident, and keep a log book to document what happened.  

Employers should also have policies in place to secure the workplace to prevent and deter any potential violence by having surveillance cameras, extra lighting, alarm systems, security guards, identification badges and if possible electronic key cards for building access.

There are a great many more things to include in your policies and training but this should get you started. For more information on workplace violence be sure to visit:

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/workplaceviolence/

And review the OSHA fact sheet  on workplace violence.

I have another article coming up shortly which confronts a specific workplace violence issue – The Active Shooter.

Disaster Tip of The Week: Don't Tell Others About Your Emergency Supplies

One very important rule of thumb about keeping supplies and having disaster or emergency plans and kits is to not tell others about it, especially if you don't want them showing up on your doorstep or even worse they could make taking your supplies part of their plan.

You may even want to have some extra supplies built in to give to some people so they will leave if the do show up. But you must be careful with this strategy as well since they may return with more people to try and take what you have.

These are of course worst case planning scenarios, but that is exactly when you want to keep what you are doing a secret.

This also goes for other locations you plan on heading to. If others know, all your stuff may be gone when you get there, or someone may have taken over your place. Keep everything a secret and tell your family to do so too.

Disaster Cleanup and Recovery Safety Guidelines

As preparedness experts like myself will often tell you it is best to be prepared before a disaster strikes. Whether you are an individual or a business, you'll often hear get a kit, make a plan, stay informed.

Part of being well prepared is knowing what to do once a disaster does strike and remaining safe during recovery and cleanup operations is extremely important.

Unfortunately well intentioned people often rush in to recover items from their home or business, not realizing they may be placing themselves in harms way. In addition when insurance companies and policies are involved moving, cleaning and removing items will likely lessen or even revoke your privilege of receiving a payout if the insurance adjuster has not inspected the property (this is another topic, but important to be aware of).

There are clear guidelines from agencies such as OSHA that provide minimum safety requirements that must be followed by recovery personnel. In some cases other industries may also have other guidelines such as the EPA, as well.

Though you can find a complete and comprehensive listing of these safety guidelines at various sites (I'll provide a list of them at the bottom) here are some basics to be aware of after a natural disaster:

Cleanup work of any kind is hazardous, but flood conditions make it even more so. Following the procedures listed below will help to keep you safe and healthy while cleaning up after natural disasters that involve flooding.

Health Tips

• Take frequent rest breaks when lifting heavy, water-laden objects. Avoid overexertion and practice good lifting techniques. To help prevent injury, use teams of two or more to move bulky objects; avoid lifting any materials that weigh more than 50 pounds per person, and use proper automated lifting assistance devices if practical.
  
  
• When working in hot environments, have plenty of drinking water available, use sunscreen, and take frequent rest breaks. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
  
  
• Be sure a first-aid kit is available to disinfect any cuts or abrasions. Protect open cuts and abrasions with waterproof gloves or dressings.
  
  
• Wash your hands often during the day, especially before eating, drinking, or applying cosmetics.

General Precautions

• Use a wooden stick or pole to check flooded areas for pits, holes, and protruding objects before entering.
  
  
• Ensure that all ladders and scaffolds are properly secured prior to use.
  
  
• Conduct a preliminary worksite inspection to verify stability before entering a flooded or formerly flooded building or before operating vehicles over roadways or surfaces. Don't work in or around any flood-damaged building until it has been examined and certified as safe for work by a registered professional engineer or architect.
  
  
• Washouts, trenches, excavations, and gullies must be supported or their stability verified prior to worker entry. All trenches should be supported (e.g., with a trench box); if no support is available, the trench must be sloped at no less than a 1:1 (45°) angle for cohesive soil and 1:1½ (34°) angle for granular soils including gravel, sand, and loamy sand or submerged soil or soil from which water is freely seeping.
  
  
• Establish a plan for contacting medical personnel in the event of an emergency.
  
  
• Report any obvious hazards (downed power lines, frayed electric wires, gas leaks or snakes) to appropriate authorities.
  
  
• Use fuel-powered generators outdoors. Do not bring them indoors.
  
  
• Use life-vests when engaged in activities that could result in deep water exposure.
  
  
• Use extreme caution when handling containers holding unknown substances or known toxic substances (for example floating containers of household or industrial chemicals). Contact the Environmental Protection Agency for information on disposal at the National Response Center (1-800-424-8802).
  
  
• Do NOT use improvised surfaces (e.g., refrigerator racks) for cooking food or for boiling water to avoid exposure to heavy metals.

Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment

• Always wear water tight boots with steel toe and insole, gloves, long pants, and safety glasses during cleanup operations; sneakers should NOT be worn because they will not prevent punctures, bites or crush injuries. Wear a hardhat if there is any danger of falling debris.
  
  
• Wear a NIOSH-approved dust respirator if working with moldy building materials or vegetable matter (hay, stored grain, or compost).
  
  
• When handling bleach or other chemicals, follow the directions on the package; wear eye, hand, and face protection as appropriate; and have plenty of clean water available for eye wash and other first-aid treatments.

Electrical Hazards

• Do NOT touch downed power lines or any object or water that is in contact with such lines.
  
  
• Treat all power lines as energized until you are certain that the lines have been de-energized.
  
  
• Beware of overhead and underground lines when clearing debris. Extreme caution is necessary when moving ladders and other equipment near overhead power lines to avoid inadvertent contact.
  
  
• If damage to an electrical system is suspected (for example, if the wiring has been under water, you can smell burning insulation, wires are visibly frayed, or you see sparks), turn off the electrical system in the building and follow lockout/tagout procedures before beginning work. Do not turn the power back on until electrical equipment has been inspected by a qualified electrician.
  
  
• When using a generator, be sure that the main circuit breaker is OFF and locked out prior to starting the generator. This will prevent inadvertent energization of power lines from backfeed electrical energy from generators and help protect utility line workers from possible electrocution.
  
  
• Be aware that de-energized power lines may become energized by a secondary power source such as a portable backup generator.
  
  
• Any electrical equipment, including extension cords, used in wet environments must be marked, as appropriate, for use in wet locations and must be undamaged. Be sure that all connections are out of water.
  
  
• All cord-connected, electrically operated tools and equipment must be grounded or be double insulated.
  
  
• Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) must be used in all wet locations. Portable GFCIs can be purchased at hardware stores.

Fire Protection

• Immediately evacuate any building that has a gas leak until the leak is controlled and the area ventilated.
  
  
• Be sure an adequate number of fire extinguishers are available and re-evaluate the fire evacuation plan.
  
  
• Be sure all fire exits are clear of debris and sand bags.

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This fact sheet discusses hazards potentially confronting workers cleaning up after natural disasters. For more information on OSHA assistance see the agency's website at www.osha.gov or call 1-800-321-OSHA.

Here is a listing of websites with more details on Recovery Clean up and Safety:

OSHA: Keeping Workers Safe During Clean Up and Recovery Operations Following Hurricanes

OSHA: California Wildfires

OSHA: Preparedness and Response

CDC: Clean Up Safely After A Disaster

Stay Safe my friends,

Keith Erwood