November 17, 2025 | Kinsey Barkley

In today’s world, the possibility of encountering an active shooter is a frightening reality. Knowing how to react in the first critical moments of an active shooter event can save your life and the lives of others. While the chances of being involved in such an event are statistically low, the consequences can be high, making preparedness a priority for every organization. 

An active shooter is defined as an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area, often with firearms. These situations begin unpredictably, evolve rapidly, and end within minutes, often before law enforcement has the chance to respond.  

Since these cases tend to happen across a short timeframe, those on the scene are perhaps the most crucial responders. Normally, active shooter situations end when the shooter takes their own life, is subdued by victims, or is neutralized by police. While no one wishes to find themselves in or near this type of tragic event, preparedness goes a long way in knowing how to respond appropriately, should the situation present itself.  

Threats to a safe workplace 

During an active shooter situation, the biggest threats to workplace safety are unprepared staff, a breakdown in communication procedures, and disgruntled or terminated employees. 

1. Unprepared staff – Employees are the most vulnerable to active shooter events when they are uninformed about company safety procedures or uneducated on appropriate responses such as the “Run, Hide, Fight” principles (more on that below), leaving them exposed to greater risk. Incorporating routine training on these subjects, in addition to performing active shooter drills and identifying evacuation routes and safe rooms, are a few simple steps any district can take now to protect its employees. 
2. Communication breakdowns – A hiccup in communication during an active shooter event can pose a major threat. Missed steps such as delayed 911 calls or incomplete information given to law enforcement are enough to cost someone their life, highlighting the importance of having a rehearsed active shooter plan distributed to every employee. Poor communication systems present another barrier to a swift response, as they may delay staff from receiving emergency alerts. Confusion on the shooter’s location may also be enough to put staff in harm's way. Consider utilizing an emergency notification system, such as Crisis24 or Onsolve, which is available to CSD Pool members at no cost. 
3. Internal threats – Shooters in the workplace are often a current or former employee who knows the office layout, security weaknesses, and workplace routines. For example, they will know whether staff have been trained to respond, and they will know where populated areas, such as break rooms, lobbies, or open office spaces are located. Often, workplace shooters are motivated by office conflict, personal grievances, or outside issues that interfere with their duties. It is essential to take concerning behaviors seriously and report them to management or your HR department. If you see a recently terminated employee at your workplace, alert management right away and do not engage with the person. Early intervention can prevent tragedies before they occur. 

General response principles 

When responding to an active shooter, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies recommend utilizing a three-step response methodology based on the principles of Run, Hide, Fight. This framework is widely taught in schools, workplaces, and communities because it provides clear, actionable steps which can be used in a chaotic situation. 

1. Run – First, evacuate the area if possible. Identify an escape route during training procedures and have your route planned from your desk or other areas you frequent. During the event, leave belongings behind; time is critical, and personal items are not worth your life.  If you are able, help others escape, but do not delay your own exit. If possible, try to prevent others from entering areas where the shooter may be present. If you see law enforcement, keep your hands visible so they know you are not a threat. If law enforcement is not already present at the scene by the time you are in a safe place, call 911. 
2. Hide – If escape is not possible, find shelter. Look for a location out of the shooter’s view, such as an office or locked conference room. Once inside, lock and barricade doors using heavy furniture, belts, or other improvised tools. Turn off the lights and silence all electronic devices, including vibrations. Hide behind large, solid objects that may offer protection from bullets. Finally, try your best to remain calm, quiet, and still until you are certain it is safe to move. 
3. Fight – Only fight as a last resort if your life is in immediate danger and you cannot escape or hide. Use any available objects as weapons – chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, or pens will work. Remember to commit fully to your actions; hesitation can cost precious seconds. Where possible, work with others to overwhelm and incapacitate the shooter, and aim for vulnerable areas such as the eyes, face, or hands holding the weapon. 

When law enforcement arrives, remain calm and do exactly as instructed. Officers are trained to move quickly toward the shooter. To help them succeed in this, drop anything in your hands, including bags or jackets, and keep your hands raised, avoiding sudden movements, pointing, or yelling. Officers will not know immediately who the threat is, and it is critical for them to identify the shooter as soon as possible. Provide only critical information, if you have it, such as the shooter’s location, number of shooters, descriptions, and weapons present. Keep in mind their priority is to neutralize the threat first, and medical aid and evacuation will follow. 

After an active shooter incident, unfortunately, chaos is to be expected. At this point in time, it is important to remember your training and preparation. Provide first aid if you are medically certified, but only if it is safe to do so. Typically, the most critical need is getting blood loss under control, and having employees certified in first aid serves as a great advantage. Finally, keep in mind law enforcement and emergency personnel are trained for these scenarios and will provide information and next steps following an incident.  

Planning and prevention 

Some of the best ways districts can prepare for an active shooter event are through employee training and emergency planning.  

Here are the best places to start as an organization hoping to foster a well-prepared staff: 

1. Learn how to identify threatening behaviors such as extreme anger, bullying, or withdrawal. 
2. Promote reporting concerning behavior to management. 
3. Limit public entry through scanned entry systems or require visitor passes through a sign in tracking system. CSD Pool Members have access to discounted rates for Sign In Solutions. 
4. Hire trained security staff and install surveillance, if possible. Expenses incurred in either of their areas are eligible for reimbursement via the Safety and Loss Prevention Grant Program. 
5. Practice routine active shooter drills, incorporating concepts from the “Run, Hide, Fight” principles. 
6. Provide management with additional training on how to direct staff under stress. As leaders in the workplace, they may be looked to for additional guidance during an active shooter event. 
7. Coordinate with local law enforcement by inviting them to lead or observe a drill and sharing office or building layouts to allow for quicker response.  

Training staff and implementing these items will increase confidence, knowledge, and trust, ultimately adding a layer of readiness for emergency situations in the workplace. 

Finally, perhaps one of the most essential ways to prepare for an active shooter, or any crisis, is to develop an Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Items to consider when creating your EAP – or to double check are included if you already have one – include making sure: 

1. Evacuation routes are well identified and posted. 
2. Safe rooms are selected, ideally with doors that lock, windows, and access to outside communication. 
3. A chain of command has been identified with assigned roles and responsibilities. While anyone can call 911, having a designated reporter, such as a department head, keeps assumptions and confusion to a minimum. 
4. First aid kits are stocked and readily available. Ask staff to volunteer as members of a First Aid Team and assign responsibilities such as biweekly kit checks. If possible, offer CPR training for those interested. 
5. Your plan has been communicated. Ensure team members know the plan, where to find it, and implement a periodic review alongside drills. 

EAPs are not merely good practice – they save lives. A well-prepared district is ready to handle crises as they come, and while the hope is that they never arrive, readiness is key to ensuring staff safety in the unlikely event of an active shooter. 

These situations are undoubtedly intimidating, but knowledge and preparedness prove invaluable during adrenaline inducing events such as these. Team response and working together during workplace crises play a crucial role in remaining safe and preventing tragedy. Preparation is not about living in fear; it is about knowing how to protect yourself and those around you in the rare but devastating event you find yourself near an active shooter.