The amount of active shooter incidents has underscored the need for a coordinated response by law enforcement and communities to save lives.
Although local and state law enforcement agencies are typically the first to arrive at the scene, successful prevention of these active shooter incidents lies with a wide range of public and private entities working together.
In the event of an active shooter near or at your jewelry business, we recommend following safety precautions outlined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Active Shooter Response
Run
If you can get out safely, do it and encourage others to leave with you, however, if they don’t agree to leave, keep going.
Don’t worry about your “stuff”, worry about your safety. And, if you see others on your way out or headed into the danger zone, alert them to what’s going on. When you are safe, call 911.
Hide
If you can’t exit safely, you’ll need to find a place to hide. If you can lock or block the door, do so as calmly and quietly as possible. If you don’t have access to a room with a door, hide behind a large object. Your hiding place should:
- Be out of the shooter’s view
- Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction
- Not restrict your options for movement
Be sure to silence your cell phone and remain quiet.
Fight
As a last resort and only if your life is in danger, fight. Whether working alone or in a group, attempt to incapacitate the shooter and act with physical aggression. Grab anything nearby that would double as a weapon and commit to your actions without hesitation.
When law enforcement arrives, try to stay calm and always follow their instructions with your hands visible. Keep in mind, their focus is to stop the shooter and that help is on the way for the injured.
While no one can predict when or if an active shooter event will happen at your jewelry business, it’s important for you and your staff to be aware of your environment and always have an exit plan. These events are typically random and evolve quickly.
Our Commitment to Our Policyholders
If you have experienced a traumatic event such as an active shooter crisis, we encourage you to take advantage of our Relieve benefit. Commercial insurance policyholders and associates can connect with a professional counselor at no cost.
To learn more about loss prevention and risk management solutions, email our experts at [email protected].