Coping with Workplace Violence

It’s a sad fact that workplace and public shootings have become all too familiar in the United States. This means we should have some idea of what to do if we ever find ourselves in the line of fire.

According to an FBI study, most active shootings end in 2 minutes or less, which is not enough time for law enforcement to arrive. So if you hear screaming and gunshots, you don’t have much time to think about what to do. Would you have time to run? If so, where would you go? Do you know where the exits are? Visualize your plan in as much detail as possible.

The Department of Homeland Security offers these response guidelines:

EVACUATE: If at all possible, run no matter what others are doing. If you can convince them to run too, great, but get out of the area immediately if you can. Leave your belongings behind. As soon as you get to safety, call 911. Don’t assume someone already has.

HIDE OUT: If you can’t run, find a secure place to hide. You want a place that’s out of the shooter’s view and that can provide protection. If possible, go to a room with a lockable door. Make it as difficult as possible for the shooter to enter. Turn off the lights in the room and be as quiet as possible. Be sure to put your cell phone on silent.

FIGHT: This is a last resort. Almost anything in your environment can be used as a weapon: chairs, fire extinguishers, umbrellas, belts, coffee mugs. Work as a team. The more people you can get to help you in attacking the shooter, the better your chances of ending the ordeal with fewer casualties. Be assertive and take the lead.

Remember, even though these kinds of attacks seem to be increasing, they’re still rare. We shouldn’t be hiding at home in fear, but there’s no downside to being prepared.