Active Shooter Preparedness
Active shooter incidents have become a tragic reality in communities worldwide, including Guam. These events can be devastating, but with proper preparation, individuals and organizations can improve their chances of survival.
Understanding The Threat An active shooter is an individual who is actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area. Firearms are the most common weapons used in these incidents, and there is often no discernible pattern in the selection of victims.
Recent Local Incidents Guam has experienced its share of active shooter incidents:
Medical Clinic (2001): Two people were killed, and four were wounded. The attacker used a firearm and was fatally shot by police.
Tumon Bay (2013): Three people were killed, and 12 were wounded. The attacker used a vehicle to run over victims and then attacked with knives. Bystanders intervened and stopped the attacker.
Basic Responses If you find yourself in an active shooter situation, remember the following:
Run: If possible, evacuate the area and seek safety. Once in a safe location, call 911.
Hide: If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where you cannot be seen. Barricade the door, silence your phone, and make the area appear unoccupied. Be prepared to fight as a last resort.
Fight: If directly confronted by the attacker, fight back with everything you have.
When Law Enforcement Arrives
Remain calm: Do not make sudden movements. Keep your hands visible and spread apart.
Follow instructions: Obey the commands of law enforcement officers.
Provide information: If possible, inform officers of the attacker's location, direction of travel, weapon description, and physical appearance.
Understand the priority: Law enforcement's primary goal is to stop the attacker, not to assist the injured.
Developing an Active Shooter Plan A well-developed active shooter plan can help individuals and organizations respond effectively to such incidents. Your plan should include:
Purpose and situation overview
Concept of operations
Organization and assignment of responsibilities
Direction, control, and coordination
Information collection, analysis, and dissemination
Training and exercises
Annexes (e.g., evacuation, lockdown, shelter-in-place, recovery, security)
Practice and Review Regularly practice your active shooter plan through tabletop exercises, drills, and full-scale simulations. This will help identify gaps, assign tasks, and ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. Review and update your plan as needed and share it with local emergency officials.
By understanding the risks and preparing accordingly, individuals and organizations can enhance their ability to respond to active shooter incidents and protect themselves and others.
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