In today's world, ensuring the safety and well-being of employees has become a paramount concern for organizations. While workplace emergencies can take various forms, the threat of an active shooter situation poses a particularly alarming and devastating risk. It is crucial for companies to prioritize the implementation of safe shelters within office spaces to protect their employees during such incidents.
The following first-hand account vividly illustrates the urgent need for secure shelter options within workplaces and highlights the potential consequences of inadequate safety measures.
“This is starting from the end because I didn’t know I was in an active shooter situation until it was almost at the end.
I was on one of the four units located on the first floor. I was in the hallway when a transporter entered the unit asking if we had heard the announcement of a code used when there was an emergency. No one had heard anything because the overhead intercom wasn’t working (this was corrected after the incident). The unit secretary called the operator and was told to contact Security. She called Security and was told there was a man with a gun in the corridor down the hall from the unit. She came down the hall, looking for the charge nurse and asked those in the hallway to start closing the patient room's doors. I was asked to assist with blocking the outer doors. This was when I realized the unit doors were unlocked (also corrected) and opened out into the hallway. This meant there was no way to secure or block the unit doors. The charge nurse and I put tables and anything we could move into the hallway. The charge nurse and I were at the door when we saw policemen in the hallway outside the unit. She suggested we go into the clean utility room which had a large window but could be locked. About this time, one of the Security officers came to the unit to inform us the shooter had been caught and the “All-Clear” was being given.
I returned to my desk in the basement of the building where the doors were locked and secured…from the inside.”
-Nurse Dionne L.
In this 5-part Blog Series, Shellter analysts take apart the situation as it unfolds, providing unparalleled analysis and key takeaways that could save YOUR life.
Let’s jump right in;
Testimony: A Terrifying Experience
"This is starting from the end because I didn’t know I was in an active shooter situation until it was almost at the end."
The testimony begins with a chilling realization - the absence of immediate awareness regarding an ongoing active shooter situation.
“No one had heard anything because the overhead intercom wasn’t working“
Lack of effective communication systems further exacerbated the situation as the overhead intercom wasn't functioning correctly, leaving employees uninformed and unprepared.
In this scenario, quick and reliable communication could have potentially saved lives by allowing employees to take immediate action.
Action Items:
Implement a robust and redundant communication system: Assess the current communication infrastructure within the office space and invest in reliable systems that can quickly and effectively disseminate emergency alerts. This may include multiple channels such as intercoms, emergency notification systems, mobile apps, or text messaging platforms to ensure that employees receive timely information during crisis situations.
Conduct regular emergency drills and training: Develop and implement comprehensive emergency response plans that include active shooter scenarios. Conduct regular drills to familiarize employees with emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and safe shelter locations. Training sessions should emphasize the importance of immediate action and provide guidance on how to respond effectively during an active shooter situation.
Important Note from Chief of Communications, Mickey Lebovic
“Often, executives are afraid to broach the topic of an active shooter event as they are worried it will cause unnecessary fear amongst their staff. Besides the fact that this is irresponsible on the part of the executive, it is also no longer a possibility to keep employees naïve about the threat of an active shooter situation. Employees are already worried about it. Drills and Training will paradoxically put them at ease. Security, Safety, and Trust, begin with a plan.”
Establish a clear chain of command and communication protocol: Designate individuals or teams responsible for managing emergency situations and establish a clear chain of command. Define specific roles and responsibilities, ensuring that there are designated personnel responsible for initiating emergency communication, and providing real-time updates to employees.
Invest in technological solutions for emergency communication: Explore advanced technologies such as automated emergency notification systems or panic buttons that can quickly alert security personnel and trigger emergency protocols. These solutions can help expedite the response time and provide critical information to employees, enabling them to take appropriate actions swiftly.
Regularly test and maintain communication systems: Regularly test and maintain all communication systems to ensure they are functioning properly. Perform routine checks, conduct system upgrades, and address any identified issues promptly. Implement backup power supplies and redundant communication channels to mitigate the risk of system failures during emergencies.
Important Note from Master Chief Navy Seal and CEO of Shellter, Frank Bosia
“Having everything in place for an emergency is certainly Priority #1 against this new enemy. However, it is useless without ensuring that every component is in working order. When it comes to protecting lives, routine tests are not optional, they are necessary. Signing up with a turnkey system like Shellter which has a monthly fee which includes all equipment, service checks, and maintenance in one simple package not only ensures everything is always in tip top shape, but also offloads everything to the experts.”
Foster a culture of awareness and vigilance: Encourage employees to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or potential threats to the appropriate authorities. Establish a mechanism for anonymous reporting if employees feel uncomfortable disclosing their identity. Regularly communicate and reinforce the importance of situational awareness, emphasizing the role every individual plays in maintaining a safe and secure work environment. As the DHS says “If you see something, say something.”
Collaborate with local law enforcement agencies: Establish partnerships with local law enforcement agencies to receive guidance and support in enhancing workplace security. Engage in active dialogues to develop joint training programs, share best practices, and stay informed about evolving threats and preventive measures.
Conclusion
Remember, the safety and well-being of employees should always be a top priority. By implementing these action items, organizations can improve their readiness to respond to active shooter situations and protect their employees from harm.
Important Note from Chief of Communications, Mickey Lebovic
“We need to communicate to Executives the change in thinking we are seeing in the workplace in regard to active shooter situations. It is turning from a casual safety discussion to a legal liability situation. In a recent nationwide study conducted by an independent research firm, nearly 80% of office workers feel that it would be negligent of a building owner/property manager not to provide solutions to the active shooter scenario.”
Photo Credit: ©Photography Stock Photo by LeoPatrizi via Canva.com
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