Last Reviewed: January, 2019
Summary
Run (if possible)! Hide (if you can’t escape)! Fight (as a last resort)! This is the simple message for credit unions to follow in active shooter situations according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. However, because each situation is different based on circumstances and typically is often over within 10 to 15 minutes, credit unions should have regular training in order to practice and to ultimately save lives.
According to the U.S. 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.
Outlined in the “Active Shooter, How to Respond” guide provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Credit Union should train employees to quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect their own lives. Members are likely to follow the lead of employees and managers during an active shooter situation.
1. 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
- Help others escape, if possible
- Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be
- Keep your hands visible
- Follow the instructions of any police officers
- Do not attempt to move wounded people
- Call 911 when you are safe
2. Hide!
If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you.
Your hiding place should:
- Be out of the active shooter’s view
- Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e., an office with a closed and locked door)
- Not trap you or restrict your options for movement
To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place:
- Lock the door
- Silence your cell phone
- Turn off any source of noise (i.e., radios, televisions)
- Hide behind large items
- Remain quiet
If evacuation and hiding out are not possible:
- Remain calm
- Dial/Text 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
3. 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 and improvising weapons
- Yelling
- Committing to your actions
More detailed information and instructions of how to deal and react to an active shooter situations are included in the guide, which is linked in the Additional Resoures section of this page.
Just as important as training for an active shooter situation, is the training for the recovery process. Recovery plans should be developed that include procedures and providing employees with the necessary support. There are both long term and short term recovery procedures that should be considered and more information about these are detailed in the Active Shooter Recovery Guide, which can also be found in the resources section of this page.
Credit unions are also encouraged to reach out to their bond carrier to obtain resources that can assist with appropriate procedures, training and awareness.
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