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How to Stay Safe If an Active Shooter Comes to Your Job

Active shooter scenarios are unpredictable but now more and more businesses want to be prepared.

One security consulting firm said inquiries about what to do have surged after recent workplace tragedies in South Florida and across the United States.

"Unfortunately, because of these incidents, our workplace violence consulting program has skyrocketed," said D.C. Page, with Andrews International.

Page, a senior vice president for the security consulting firm, says Andrews International works with businesses by assessing their security risks and educating employees.

"Be prepared. It’s something you have to think about and its part of our culture right now. So, corporations need to build that into the fabric of the business and the everyday workplace," said Page.

According to research, in 2012, there were 463 workplace homicides. Eighty-one percent were the result of a shooting.

The basic advice has three main components: run, hide or fight.

  • Run if you can, get out of the building as quickly as possible
  • Hide, and use a piece of furniture to secure a door shut
  • Fighting is the last resort, but grab something like a fire extinguisher or other object to help defend yourself

"We get down to the granular levels so employees understand their environment first," Page said. "That’s the most important part. They have some kind of plan in their mind as to what they would do, where the exits are and things like that. And, then the run-hide-fight scenario."

Companies like Andrews International not only provide consulting, but also security guards who are trained for active shooters.

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