Workplace Violence

Workplace ViolenceLock-Down

Now what?

Definitions

Lock-down: confinement for safety: an emergency safety procedure in which people remain in a locked indoor space.

(Speak on how this tactic looks versus a shelter in place situation. Using critical thinking process versus inherent situation information.)

Shelter in place: selecting a small, interior room, with no or few windows, and taking refuge there.

IndicatorsNo escapeLine of FirePhysically unableEmotionally unableLimited informationBest optionWhen is Lock- Down the best option?

No EscapeEscape should always be the first choice but if that option is not available, then what?(Give examples of situations where escape is not possible.)You are cornered or in a one way in, one way out location.Your escape route is blockedConstructionPoor planning

Line of FireThe fact is that you are already a victimdont be a casualty. Never put yourself in harms way. If you know for a fact that a threat is in your immediate location then go on Lock-Down.Speak on the importance of going home to family. Dont try to be a heroyou may end up being a martyr.Leave it to the professionals.

Physically UnableYouve been injured, youre sick, or you cannot physically run or escape.(Be blunt. This is no time to be PC. Make sure to point out that physical limitations could play a role in this decision.)

Emotionally UnablePeople handle stress differently and it is common for someone to freeze when we encounter a situation we have never faced before. Your heart rate will increase and your vision may blur or become tunneled. Your skin may become cold and clammy or you may start sweating. Panic has set in.

(Be gentle and remember that not everyone is built the same. Make sure to emphasize that it is OK to be scared but it is also important to keep a clear head and not panic. Panicking could get someone killed...Use the drowning man example.)

Limited InformationWhats going on? (You hear a commotion and what sounds like firecrackers. It sounds like people are running. You hear people screaming.)Is there a shooter? (You look out of your office to see whats going on. Did someone just say Hes got a gun?)How many are there? (More loud pops..Wheres it coming from? The echoes and chaos makes it hard to pinpoint.)Whos hurt? (You see someone run past...... Is that blood on the floor?)Where is he? (Wheres the shooter? What do I do?)

Best OptionThese are just a few things to consider when escape is not an option. So, what do I do now?

(Discuss the decisions that came into play that lead Lock-Down to be the Best Option.)

Lock-DownPick the right place.Cover the windows.Barricade the doors and stay quietMake the call.

Pick the Right PlaceSo what is the right place to Lock-Down when escape is not an option.Pick a location where the doors open in. (preferably with locks)Think out of the box. (Hallways with barricades on both ends or with quick get-a-way access once you know where the shooter is.One door or multiple exits. (One door creates a one way in, one way out situation but can be easy to fortify. Multiple exits gives you options.)Seldom used areas or areas that are not commonly traveled. (If there is an active shooter, they will be looking to do the most damage in a short amount of time. Stay away from well traveled areas as a means of Lock-Down.) Areas with good visibility. (Think of an area where you would have a clear view.second floor research, water treatment tanks, etc.) Available barricades. (A location that has a lot of things that could be used block doorways, halls, windows.)

Cover the Windows!Use everything you can to cover the windows and remember that the more solid the object the better.TablesChairsWhite boards.ClothingAnything that can be used to obscure the perps view.

Barricade the Doors and Stay Quiet!Use everything you can to create the most solid barricade possible. The more layers of barricade, the longer it will take the shooter to get to you.(Make sure to speak on items like tables, chairs, computers, white boards, trash cansanything at their disposal.)

Once the entrances are barricaded, stay as far away from any windows, and stay QUIET!

Make the CallIts important to let Law Enforcement know where you are. Get to a phone line or call 911 directly. DO NOT shout out or speak out if the shooter is in your vicinity. You will let the shooter know exactly where you are.Remember to keep calm and have the following information ready:Your nameYour locationHow many people are with youIs anyone injured

Lock-DownThe best option in any incident is to have a plan ahead of time. Think about the things that have been discussed and be prepared to.