Between 01 January and 02 March 2024, the United States (US ) witnessed of 2,670 deaths and 4,690 injuries due to gun violence. Mass shootings accounted for 107 deaths and 224 injuries, with a recent incident occurring during a parade for the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl win on 14 February when one person was killed and 22 injured at the west side of Union Station. Two adults and two juveniles were charged in connection with the shooting. Another notable event took place earlier between 21 and 22 January in Joliet, Illinois, where a single shooter caused eight deaths and one injury across three locations. The frequency of mass shootings in 2024 has been concerning, with 66 incidents recorded until 02 March. Law enforcement has also been affected, with 228 civilians killed in officer-involved shootings and 14 officers fatally shot on duty.

Number of deaths related to gun violence by state until 02 March 2024

These statistics underscore the ongoing challenge of gun violence in the US and the need for businesses to contribute to addressing this challenge by implementing active shooter preparedness plans, conducting regular drills, raising awareness among employees, and providing training on response strategies to mitigate harm during such incidents.

Recommendations

For Businesses

With existing plan for active shooter incident response

• Conduct periodic reviews of the Emergency Response Plans (ERP) to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
• Incorporate lessons learned from drills, exercises, and real-world incidents into the plan.
• Update the plan as needed based on changes in the organization’s operations, facilities, or external threat landscape.
• Ensure all employees are familiar with the ERP and receive regular training on active shooter response procedures.
• Conduct refresher training sessions to reinforce key concepts and response techniques, especially for new joiners.
• Promote a respectful workplace and awareness of the signs of potential workplace violence and encourage employees to report any concerns.
• Establish and maintain communication channels with local law enforcement agencies and first responders.
• Regularly assess and enhance physical security measures, such as access control systems, surveillance cameras, and emergency communication systems. Update exit plans, if required.
• Update emergency contact information and ensure dissemination of those to employees in case of crisis.
• Encourage feedback from employees, stakeholders, and external partners to identify areas for improvement in the ERP.

While developing or updating an ERP, keep the following steps mind:

• Pre-Planning (Phase 1):
  • Identify potential threats, including active shooter incidents, and their business impact.
  • Develop response plans, evacuation procedures, and accessibility considerations including multiple exit routes.
  • Establish an emergency notification system.
• Training and Preparedness (Phase 2):
  • Train employees in Run. Hide. Fight. techniques.
  • Educate on early identification methods and active shooter terminology.
  • Conduct regular drills involving first responders.
• Response (Phase 3):
  • Activate crisis communication plans for timely updates
  • Initiate procedures to shut down operations, evacuate the building, or shelter in place, depending on the circumstances.
  • Collaborate with emergency services to ensure a coordinated response and assist potential victims.
• Post-Incident Management (Phase 4):
• Implement survivor and family communication plans.
• Provide victim assistance resources and manage media attention.

For Individuals

• Be familiar with at least two evacuation routes from your workplace.
• In case of an active shooter, try to determine their position and stay away from the area. Avoid using elevators, and use stairwells instead.
• Evacuate, hide out, or take action against the active shooter (ONLY as a last resort), following specific instructions for each. If already in a room, make sure to secure the locks. If out in a hallway, get into a room and lock the door. Barricade the entry points if possible.

• Silence cell phone and turn off any sources of noise. Stay low to the ground to avoid being seen through windows or under doors.
• Call 911 or local emergency services as soon as it is safe to do so. Listen for periodic updates and cooperate with law enforcement priorities during the response phase.

Important Resources

• Guide on how to prevent an active shooter situation in the workplace-https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/making-prevention-a-reality.pdf/view
• Guide on how to plan for an active shooter situation in the workplace-https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/active-shooter-guide-for-businesses-march-2018.pdf/view
• Guide on how to respond to an active shooter situation in the workplace-https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/active_shooter_booklet.pd

Important Contacts

• 911: Dial emergency services for immediate assistance.
• Active Shooter Hotline: Check with local law enforcement for any dedicated hotlines.
• Local Law Enforcement Non-Emergency Line: Contact local police department’s non-emergency line if 911 is overwhelmed.
• FBI Tip Line: Report suspicious activities or active shooter incidents to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
• Local Crisis Hotlines: Reach out to local crisis hotlines or mental health helplines for support.
• Text-to-911: In areas where available, use text-to-911 services for discreet communication with emergency services.