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3 Steps to Prepare for an Active Shooter at Your Business

23December,2019
By Hoffman Brown Insurance | | No Comments
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Active Shooter Preparedness

 

Active shooters in America are an ongoing threat and their actions lead to tragedy. Your company should be prepared to handle this event and to deal with its aftermath by setting off active shooter protocols and procedures in advance. Businesses and organizations of all kinds should have a plan in place for managing this type of crisis because workplace violence puts the safety of residents and employees at risk.

 

Prevent

The biggest active shooter threat to businesses are disgruntled employees and customers. When hiring, always conduct criminal background verifications and investigations. Foster open communication and a healthy working environment to assist in defusing situations before they escalate. If you need to let a member of staff go, do so without prejudice or insulting behavior. Additionally, treat customers with consideration. Review and improve access control procedures and physical security around the building.

 

Preparedness

Your business must have an emergency action plan that outlines procedures for staff and employees to follow. The plan must include recurring training and education on how to diffuse difficult situations. Make sure to include all employees in the program along with a committee dedicated to evaluating and managing threats and other response planning procedures.

 

Response

Understanding what motivates a shooter to attack a business is helpful but knowing how to react properly can mean the difference between life and death. If it’s safe to do so, assess the situation. Decide whether it’s safer to leave the area or take cover. Whatever you choose, the next step is to call 911 and sound the alarm per your organization’s emergency action plan.

 

Shootings are a very real and very possible threat. Make sure you keep your business and employees safe by regularly assessing how best to stay one step ahead.

 

At Hoffman Brown Company, we are always on the lookout for more information on how our clients can stay safe and protected. We are ready and waiting to help you find reliable and responsible insurance for your business. Contact us today to get started!

COVID-19 Update:

The Coronavirus, officially COVID-19, has become a global health emergency. One of the measures Hoffman Brown Company has taken to keep our CLIENTS and Teammates safe was to design a complete virtual work environment. For the foreseeable future, our colleagues will be conducting business virtually to avoid any disruption in our ability to serve you. These measures are based on the CDC’s guidance and will evolve with the situation. Please know that we are fully functional, available and look forward to being of service.