Chamber members get pointers in dealing with violence situations

The Kennedale Police

Department presented a program last week at the monthly meeting of the Kennedale Area Chamber of Commerce on how to respond to an active shooter situation in the workplace. {{more: Read more …}}

Emergencies involving violence unfortunately are a real possibility in today?s workplace. How we prepare for and respond to these emergencies may help ensure better outcomes of violent situations. These situations are not just limited to the workplace and the same responses can be used at church, malls and even at home.

 

most active shooters don’t have an exit plan …

Most active shooters have no exit plan. They do not intend to have an armed encounter with law enforcement. And, they select victims at random. So what this means that anything that can be done to slow them [active shooter] down until the police arrive will save lives.

 

Pre-planning becomes important so that you can quickly act when something happens. It is going to save lives. Look at your business layout and see what you might do to slow down someone who is intent on causing as much violence as possible in a short period of time. Do you have locks on interior doors? How open is your building? Do you have a plan for action that is discussed with your employees?

 

avoid, deny and defend …

What are your options when something is happening?

 

When you hear those shots and the noises that go along with this type of incident, this is when you start blocking, barricading, hiding or do what you can do to try not to be seen.

 

If you have the option, run. Know your exits, leave everything behind and just get out. (Show your hands when leaving the building or area so that you are not mistaken for the shooter).

 

what do you do when there is no way out …

But there are those times you have no way of getting out. Then it becomes important to keep out of the view of the intruder and to deny access. This means locking the doors if possible, turning out the lights and moving out of the line of sight (hiding). Statistically, when the shooter comes to a locked door, they move on because they are in a hurry. They want to do the maximum amount of damage in as short period of time as they can.

If you don?t have a lock on the door, barricade with anything that stops or slows entry. Even a simple rubber door stop jammed under the door will help if the door opens inward. If it opens outward and it is not locked, a a tie, belt or a leather purse strap can be wrapped around the door handle and secured or held to hold the door shut.

Darkening the room helps prevent being seen but gives the added advantage that the shooter eyes will have to adjust to the dark if they are able to come into the room. This gives you the momentary advantage to aggressively defend if necessary.

 

physically defending maybe the last resort, don’t hesitate …

Defending is the last resort but when it happens be prepared to use anything at hand, objects to throw, fire extinguishers to use, sharp objects such a scissors and act with physical aggression. Don?t hesitate.

 

call 911 …

And, of course call or have someone call 911 as soon as it can be safely done.

 

The Kennedale Police will be glad to schedule a security assessment of your business. Kennedale Police

Department

 

The Kennedale Area Chamber of Commerce Networking Luncheons are held on the third Wednesday of every month at Life Fellowship Church, 611 N

Little School Road from 11:30-1pm with a new speaker and sponsor each month.

Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for guests. Find out more @ Kennedale Area

Chamber of Commerce