Last month, in our newsletter, we told you about the rise in mass shootings in our country, which has lead to the creation of active shooter training seminars. And while we strongly believe in the efficacy of the seminars, we know they’re not enough.
While the information taught at seminars like the ones we offer is lifesaving, the techniques learned work best when people are repeatedly exposed to them. Just like schools practice fire drills to ensure the safety of students in the event of a fire, office emergency drills are the best way to safeguard the safety of employees during an active shooter situation.
The first thing to do is develop a plan for the office. Be as specific as you can, and try to involve key personnel that will have leadership roles in the event of an actual emergency. After the plan has been finalized, review it with all your employees to make sure it’s understood. Then practice it. Coordinate drills in which your employees practice evacuating their workspace and gathering in the previously specified safe area. Be sure all employees understand their roles and responsibilities, like calling the police, setting off the alarm systems, and even retrieving important records.
Training that is not reinforced is quickly forgotten, which is why it’s a good idea to organize biannual, if not quarterly, emergency drills, so that if an emergency were to occur, your employees could react swiftly and skillfully.