1.) Do Something
The biggest mistake a company can make in preparing for an active shooter situation is to do nothing at all. That is according to Rick Capozzi, the owner of Capozzi Group | Survival Mindset.
The biggest mistake a company can make in preparing for an active shooter situation is to do nothing at all. That is according to Rick Capozzi, the owner of Capozzi Group | Survival Mindset.
“Do something,” Capozzi encouraged attendees at the CBICC Breakfast.
Jeff Wharran, Director of the Emergency Management Agency at Centre County Government, added that one thing at a time is a good place to begin.
“Take your training in steps,” Wharran counseled. “Start planning, preparing…[learning] situational awareness..instill upon yourself and your employees that it’s a fluid situation…and you’ll be much better off.”
Jeff Wharran, Director of the Emergency Management Agency at Centre County Government, added that one thing at a time is a good place to begin.
“Take your training in steps,” Wharran counseled. “Start planning, preparing…[learning] situational awareness..instill upon yourself and your employees that it’s a fluid situation…and you’ll be much better off.”
2.) Train, Don’t Be a Victim
“You’re going to react the way you’re trained,” noted Wharran. “If you have no training, you’re going to be a victim.”
Wharran recommends practicing whatever the plan is.
“If you have a hiding spot in your office, try it out one day – see if you fit in it,” he added.
3.) Always Be Communicating
Capozzi cautioned that trainings should always be announced, to both employees, local police, and posted on outside doors so that the incoming public is also aware.
Lou Brungard, VP Facilities & Plant Operations at Mount Nittany Health, emphasized the need for a clear communications plan during times of crisis.
“You’re going to react the way you’re trained,” noted Wharran. “If you have no training, you’re going to be a victim.”
Wharran recommends practicing whatever the plan is.
“If you have a hiding spot in your office, try it out one day – see if you fit in it,” he added.
3.) Always Be Communicating
Capozzi cautioned that trainings should always be announced, to both employees, local police, and posted on outside doors so that the incoming public is also aware.
Lou Brungard, VP Facilities & Plant Operations at Mount Nittany Health, emphasized the need for a clear communications plan during times of crisis.
“What kind of communication plans does your organization have,” Brungard asked the audience. “How are you messaging? How frequently? What are the expected messages? This type of planning can control employees’ anxiety, offer critical information to help them get to safety if they’re in an unaffected part of the building, and can help outside responders do their work more effectively.”
Recommended tools included existing email systems (check with IT for more details), cell phones, Centre County CodeRED, Rave Mobile Safety, and Smart911.com.
Recommended tools included existing email systems (check with IT for more details), cell phones, Centre County CodeRED, Rave Mobile Safety, and Smart911.com.
4.) Mottos to Live By
The Department of Homeland Security suggests that when confronted with an active shooter, people should first run, then hide, and finally fight. Run. Hide. Fight.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests that when confronted with an active shooter, people should first run, then hide, and finally fight. Run. Hide. Fight.
Capozzi reminded attendees that it takes an adult seven to 13 times to remember a message, therefore it is crucial that companies repeatedly educate, train, and practice these principles with their employees.
For example, what does it mean to hide? Where do employees run? What does it mean to launch an offense?
Another important motto is if you see something, say something. See Something, Say Something.
“No one in law enforcement is going to get upset if you call in a suspicious person,” ensured Wharran.
5.) Get a Guide
Getting started is simple, as guides for many types of businesses and organizations have already been written, vetted, and tested by the Department of Homeland Security.
“Bob Winters is our local representative for Homeland Security,” explained Wharran. “Bob is great and has a lot of resources. Our [Centre County office can also] can help a business design a workplace plan.”
Brungard emphasized local resources as well.
“Reach out and foster relationships with local law enforcement,” added Brungard. “A common mistake is not utilizing these existing guides and then not following standards. Our local police, fire, and EMS workers have all been trained using these standards – so we want to be on the same page as them.”
Cheryl Johnson of the Private Industry Council of the Central Corridor (PICCC, Inc.) noted that Winters has visited Centre County many times via the Business Continuity and Preparedness Coalition (BCPC). BCPC plans to ask Winters to return to the area. For more information, please contact Johnson at cjohnson@piccc.org and/or Winters at bob.winters@dhs.gov.
For example, what does it mean to hide? Where do employees run? What does it mean to launch an offense?
Another important motto is if you see something, say something. See Something, Say Something.
“No one in law enforcement is going to get upset if you call in a suspicious person,” ensured Wharran.
5.) Get a Guide
Getting started is simple, as guides for many types of businesses and organizations have already been written, vetted, and tested by the Department of Homeland Security.
“Bob Winters is our local representative for Homeland Security,” explained Wharran. “Bob is great and has a lot of resources. Our [Centre County office can also] can help a business design a workplace plan.”
Brungard emphasized local resources as well.
“Reach out and foster relationships with local law enforcement,” added Brungard. “A common mistake is not utilizing these existing guides and then not following standards. Our local police, fire, and EMS workers have all been trained using these standards – so we want to be on the same page as them.”
Cheryl Johnson of the Private Industry Council of the Central Corridor (PICCC, Inc.) noted that Winters has visited Centre County many times via the Business Continuity and Preparedness Coalition (BCPC). BCPC plans to ask Winters to return to the area. For more information, please contact Johnson at cjohnson@piccc.org and/or Winters at bob.winters@dhs.gov.
“The first 300 seconds after an incident is your greatest opportunity to save someone,” Capozzi told attendees.
Are you prepared?
Are you prepared?
