Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
assessed. The NYPD has suggested the following preparedness activities for facili-
ties that may be useful to the emergency manager in terms of setting objectives for
exercises:
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◾
Conduct a realistic security assessment to determine the facility's vulnerabil-
ity to an active shooter attack.
◾
Identify multiple evacuation routes and practice evacuations under varying
conditions; postevacuation routes in conspicuous locations throughout the
facility; ensure that evacuation routes account for individuals with special
needs and disabilities.
◾
Designate shelter locations with thick walls, solid doors with locks, mini-
mal interior windows, first-aid emergency kits, communication devices, and
duress alarms.
◾
Designate a point-of-contact with knowledge of the facility's security proce-
dures and floor plan to liaise with police and other emergency agencies in the
event of an attack.
◾
Incorporate an active shooter drill into the organization's emergency pre-
paredness procedures.
◾
Vary security guards' patrols and patterns of operation.
◾
Limit access to blueprints, floor plans, and other documents containing sensi-
tive security information, but make sure these documents are available to law
enforcement responding to an incident.
◾
Establish a central command station for building security.
The DHS recommends that training for facilities and organizations should, to the
extent possible, include “training exercises.”
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Within that context, DHS recom-
mends that the “training exercises” incorporate the following:
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◾
Recognizing the sound of gunshots
◾
Reacting quickly when gunshots are heard and/or when a shooting is
witnessed
◾
Evacuating the area
◾
Hiding out
◾
Acting against the shooter as a last resort
◾
Calling 911
◾
Reacting when law enforcement arrives
◾
Adopting the survival mind set during times of crisis
Activities that can or should be accomplished before an attack vary based on the
agency or institution involved, and the emergency manager may also have respon-
sibility for the provision or facilitation of training. Clearly, emergency responders
must receive appropriate training in dealing with the response to an active shooter
incident. The training will vary depending on the type of agency and their respective
