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Active Shooter Preparedness & Prevention

In just the last few years, active shooters have attacked several locations worldwide from the Stade de France to the Inland Regional Center in San Bernadino, California to the Aurora, Colorado Shooting. While it is important to memorialize the victims of these horrifying events with candle-light vigils and social media expressions, the best way to not let these victims die in vain is to be prepared. When faced with an active shooter situation, you have one of three things you must remember: Run, Hide and Fight. Profile of an Active Shooter

According to the Department of Homeland Security, an Active Shooter is "an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly."

Personal Preparedness: A person armed with guns or bombs is a very frightening situation when it is happening right in front of you. A place that you thought was safe can quickly turn into a battleground when an active shooter attacks. Acting quickly while using common sense is tantamount . Below are key ways to prepare and protect yourself and others around you:

Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers.
Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit.
If you are in an office, stay there and secure the door.
If you are in a hallway, get into a room and secure the door.
Call 911 as soon as you are secured in a safe place.

Evacuate (RUN)

If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises. Be sure to:

Have an escape route and plan in mind.
Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
Leave your belongings behind.
Run away from the gunfire.
Help others escape, if possible. Do not wait for others.
Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be.
Keep your hands visible and held above your head, so officers know you are not a threat.
Follow all law enforcement agents' instructions.
Do not attempt to move wounded people.
Run as fast as you can to the evacuation point.
Call 911 when you are safe.

Working with law enforcement:
Law enforcement is dispatched immediately in order to stop the shooting and prevent further harm to victims. In most cases, active shooter attacks are often over within 10 to 15 minutes before law enforcement arrives on the scene which is why it is imperative for individuals to be prepared both psychologically and physically to handle an active shooter emergency.

Law enforcement's purpose is to stop the active shooter as soon as possible. Officers will proceed directly into the area where the last shots were heard. Information to provide to law enforcement or 911 operator:

Location of the active shooter.
Number of shooters, if more than one.
Physical description of shooter(s).
Number and type of weapons held by the shooter(s).
Number of potential victims at the location.

When law enforcement arrives:

Remain calm, and follow officers’ instructions.
Put down any items in your hands (e.g., bags, jackets).
Immediately raise hands and spread fingers.
Keep hands visible at all times.
Avoid making quick movements toward officers such as attempting to hold on to them for safety.
Avoid pointing, screaming and/or yelling.Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating, just proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises.
Officers usually arrive in teams of four.
Officers may wear regular patrol uniforms or external bulletproof vests, Kevlar helmets and other tactical equipment.
Officers may be armed with rifles, shotguns and/or handguns.
Officers may use pepper spray or tear gas to control the situation.
Officers may shout commands and may push individuals to the ground for their safety.

Keep in mind that the first officers to arrive to the scene will not stop to help injured persons. You will soon see rescue teams comprised of additional officers and emergency medical personnel to follow the initial officers. These rescue teams will treat and remove any injured people. They may also call upon able-bodied individuals to assist in removing the wounded from the premises.

Once you have reached a safe location or an meeting point, you will likely be held in that area by law enforcement until the situation is under control, and after all witnesses have been identified and questioned. Do not leave the safe location or meeting point until law enforcement authorities have instructed you to do so.

Shelter in Place (HIDE)

If you hear gunfire and evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter it not likely the to find you. If you are wounded, stay calm and quiet. Understand the first help to arrive is there to stop the violence, not provide first aid. Calling out to them in a panic could possibly draw attention to the active shooter.

Your hiding place should:

Be out of the active shooter's view.
Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (e.g., an office with a closed and locked door).
Not trap you or restrict your options for movement.
Block any entrance into the area to prevent the active shooter from finding you.

If the active shooter is nearby:

Lock the door.
Silence your cell phone and/or pager.
Turn off any source of noise (e.g., radios, televisions).
Gather objects to fight the shooter with, if you can do so safely.
Hide behind large items (i.e., cabinets, desks).
Remain quiet and calm.

If evacuation and hiding out are not possible:

Remain calm.
Dial 911, if possible, to alert police to the active shooter's location. If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen.

Fight the Active Shooter (FIGHT)

In situations where law enforcement has not arrived to the scene, it may be necessary to fight. As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:

Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her.
Throwing items at the shooter to distract him/her and use improvising weapons.
Yelling.
Committing to your actions.
Attempt to control the barrel of the gun, by pointing in down towards the ground.
When the gunman is disarmed have someone ensure the gun is out of the gunman's reach and stand on it. Do not touch the gun.
Once law enforcement agents arrive at your location, immediately follow all their verbal commands and let them take over the scene.

Disclaimer: This information is advisory in nature and is not intended to identify all scenarios or situations a person might encounter. Following these guidelines will not guarantee your safety. Use common sense in all situations. This information is derived from the Department of Homeland Security. To learn more, click here.

Floods: Preparing for El Niño

During the rainy winter season, continuous rain or "El Niño" can become a concern for floods. With the recent anticipation of El Niño being on its way this winter, floods are likely to happen at even higher rates. What should you do? Don't panic... just get prepared. When there is an expected increase in rain for this season, there are several ways to keep safety a top priority from knowing what to expect to keeping yourself informed. That is a the key to developing a good plan in the case of a flood.

Know What to Expect:

Learn area's flood risk by checking with your local emergency management department.
Listen to local radio, NOAA Weather Radio or television stations for flood information.
If it has been raining hard for several hours or steadily raining for several days, there's an increased chance of a flood.
Floods can take several hours to days to develop.

Know the Terms:

A FLOOD WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
A FLOOD WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
FLASH FLOODS can take only a few minutes to a few hours to develop.

Prepare a Family Emergency Plan:

Keep insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe-deposit box or flash drive.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit. Click here for a comprehensive list.
Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places: a friend's home in another town, a motel or a shelter.

Flood Watch and Warnings:

Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.

Charge tablets, phones and laptops and rechargeable batteries in case you lose power.

Keep your car's gas tank at least half full in case an evacuation is issued.

Listen to local radio and television stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

Stay Alert and Act Quickly:

Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.

If you think a flood has started, evacuate immediately. You may only have seconds to escape.

Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.

Do not drive around barricades; they are there to keep pedestrians/vehicles out of unsafe areas. If your car stalls in rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

Do not enter rooms or basement where water has covered electrical sockets or cords. Noises such as crackling, buzzing, snapping or popping means stay away. Never enter water where there is an electrical current.

Wet weather seasons where El Niño is expected can often lead to heavy flooding and is great cause for staying informed and having a good plan. The above information is derived from the National Weather Service. To learn more, click here.

Earthquakes: Protecting Yourself During an Earthquake

According to Cheney University, an earthquake is "a sudden, rapid shaking of the earth caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the earth's surface. Earthquakes strike suddenly, without warning, and they can occur at any time of the year, day or night." Additionally, Red Cross reports that, "forty five states and territories in the United States are at moderate to very high risk of earthquakes, and they are located in every region of the country. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake."

Most earthquake casualties are caused by falling objects and debris due to the shock of a quake which shakes, damages and potentially destroys buildings, bridges and other man-made structures. These quakes can also cause landslides and even trigger enormous ocean waves known as tsunamis. Both of these can result in great damage and fatalities. No matter the size of the earthquake, you should always do the following when it strikes according to Shakeout.org:

DROP to the ground.
Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
HOLD ON to your shelter and be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops.

If there is no table or desk near you, drop to the ground and then crawl to an inside corner of the room if possible. Being in a crawling position guards your vital organs. Always cover your head and neck with your hands and arms. Don't attempt move to another location or go outside. Earthquakes happen suddenly and may be so violent that you cannot run or crawl. You are more likely to be injured if you try to move during the shaking from an earthquake.

If you cannot Drop, Cover, and Hold On or cannot get to the floor safely, get as low as possible, and cover your head and neck. Avoid windows (which can shatter) or other items that can fall on you.

These tips can help you stay safe during an Earthquake based on a variety of scenarios:

In a wheelchair: Lock your wheels and remain seated until the shaking stops. Always protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book, or whatever is available.
In bed: If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow. You are less likely to be injured staying where you are. Broken glass on the floor has caused injury to those who have rolled to the floor or tried to get to doorways.
In a high-rise: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Avoid windows and falling objects. Do not use elevators. Do not be surprised if sprinkler systems or fire alarms activate.
In a store: Drop, Cover and Hold On as soon as shaking starts. Shield yourself with shopping carts or by getting inside clothing racks. Avoid heavy items on high shelves; drop to the ground first and crawl only the shortest distance necessary. Whenever you enter any retail store, look around at what is above and around you that could move or fall during an earthquake.
Outdoors: Move to a clear area if you can safely do so away from power lines, trees, signs, buildings, vehicles, and other hazards.
Driving: Pull over to the side of the road, stop, and set the parking brake. Stay away from bridges, power lines, signs and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops. If a power line falls on the car, stay inside until a trained professional removes the wire.
In a stadium or theater: Stay at your seat or drop to the floor between rows and protect your head and neck with your arms. Don't try to leave until the shaking is over. Then walk out slowly watching for anything that could fall in the aftershocks.
Near the shore: Drop, Cover, and Hold On until the shaking stops. If severe shaking lasts twenty seconds or more, immediately evacuate to high ground as a Tsunami might have been triggered by the earthquake. Move inland two miles or to land that is at least 100 feet above sea level immediately. Don't wait for officials to issue a warning. Walk quickly, rather than drive to avoid traffic, debris and other hazards.
Below a dam: Dams can fail during a major earthquake. Catastrophic failure is unlikely, but if you live downstream from a dam, you should know flood zone information and have prepared an evacuation plan.
If trapped under debris: Do not light a match or try to move and kick up dust. Cover your mouth with your clothing. Knock on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Whistle or shout as a last resort. Keep in mind that shouting may cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

Did you Know? In modern houses, doorways are no stronger than any other part of the house. You are safer under a table. Earthquake-related injuries are commonly caused by:

Partial building collapses, such as toppling chimneys, falling bricks from wall facings and roof parapets, collapsing walls, falling ceiling plaster, light fixtures and framed art.
Flying or falling glass from broken windows. This is greater danger in high-rise buildings.
Overturned bookcases, fixtures and other furniture/appliances.
Fires from broken chimneys, broken gas and electric lines or spilled flammable liquids. The danger may be aggravated by the lack of water due to broken water mains.
Fallen power lines.
Human panic reactions, such as crowds stampeding for stairways or exits. Always stay calm during an earthquake; you could cost someone his/her life.

To learn more about earthquake safety, visit this link.

What to Expect After an Earthquake & Recovery Tips

Expect aftershocks: Secondary shockwaves after an earthquake are less violent, but can still cause additional damage to weakened structures. Aftershocks occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake. Expect and prepare for potential aftershocks, landslides or even a tsunami. Each time you feel an aftershock, drop, cover and hold on. Stay Informed: Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest emergency information. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes and work gloves to protect against injury from broken objects. Carry a flashlight and fire extinguisher and look for damage in and around your home . Get everyone out if your home is unsafe. Pets after an Earthquake: After an Earthquake, your pets may act differently. Cats and dogs that are usually quiet or friendly may become aggressive or defensive. Keep a close eye on your pets and keep dogs contained with a leash or fenced yard. Pets may not be allowed into shelters for health and space reasons.

After an earthquake be sure to:

Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
Open cabinets cautiously, as objects that can fall off shelves.
Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire or relief organizations. Return home when authorities say it is safe.
Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in coastal areas. When local authorities issue a tsunami warning, assume that a series of dangerous waves is on the way. Stay away from the beach.
Help injured or trapped persons. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance such as infants, the elderly, pregnant women and/or people with disabilities. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.
Inspect the entire length of chimneys for damage. The initial check should be made from a distance. Approach chimneys with caution. Check your chimney over its entire length for cracks/damage, particularly in the attic and at the roof line. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire or collapse in aftershocks.
Watch out for fallen power lines and or broken gas lines and stay out of damaged areas.
Keep animals under your direct control.
Stay out of damaged buildings.
If an earthquake occurs while you are away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so. Use extreme caution and examine walls, floors, doors, staircases and windows to check for damage. Be careful when driving after an earthquake. Anticipate traffic light outages and watch out for pedestrians/injured people.
Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.
If water is off, obtain water from melted ice cubes, canned vegetables and toilet tanks (if no sanitizing chemicals have been added), swimming pools/spas and water heaters (strain the water through a clean handkerchief first).
Check to see that sewage lines are intact before permitting continued flushing of toilets.
Do not eat or drink anything from open containers near shattered glass. Strain liquids through a clean handkerchief or cloth if there is a known danger or glass contamination.
If power is off, check your freezer. Plan meals to consume meals with the shortest shelf life first.
Use outdoor charcoal or propane broilers for emergency cooking. Do not bring these items indoors. The accumulation of fumes from their use can be deadly.
Do not go sightseeing. Do not use your vehicle unless there is a genuine emergency. Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.

Inspect Utilities:

Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the utility company from a safe place. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets.
Call a plumber if water pipes are damaged. Contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap.

Rebuilding Tips

When rebuilding and repairing after an earthquake, work with a licensed professional to make your home or business safer and to prevent damage, injuries or fatalities in the next quake.

Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets.
Place large and heavy objects and breakable items on lower shelves.
Anchor overhead lighting fixtures to joists.
Anchor top-heavy and freestanding furniture such as bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture to wall studs to keep these from falling over in an earthquake.
Secure gas appliances to the floor to prevent them from tipping over in an earthquake.Use heavy gauge metal strapping, sometimes called "strap iron" or "plumber's tape," to anchor the water heater to wall studs to prevent it from moving or tipping. Make sure you follow any local building codes that may require a specific type of metal strapping.
Install flexible fittings to avoid gas or water leaks.
Bolt the frame of the house to the foundation.
Repair deep cracks in ceilings and foundations and make sure there is no structural damage.
Seek structural engineering design advice. Ask about home repair and strengthening tips for exterior features, e.g., porches, decks, sliding glass doors, canopies, carports and garage doors.

To learn more about earthquake preparedness,click here.