This week at Lake Forest Academy, where I work, we had an active shooter drill. At first I was upset that we needed to perform such a drill but it now makes me look at every room I am in – at school, in a restaurant, in my home, at Target. You name it, I am now looking for the best way to protect myself and others.
Some of the things we learned I would like to share with you:
- If at all possible, flee from the scene. Do not run in a straight line when you are fleeing. Weave in and out and side to side unevenly. It is much more difficult to hoot a person in motion.
- If you are unable to flee, lock the door of the room you are in or if you are able to get to a room with no windows (such as a closet) go inside, lock the door and turn off the lights. Make yourself as small as possible and hide as far away from the door as possible.
- If someone is with you, do not talk. Do not use your cell phone after you have altered authorities. Even if you are in a room without windows, the light from your cell phone can show from areas around the door frame such as underneath the door.
It is unfortunate that we need to plan for such an event, but as Administrative Professionals this is what we do. We plan for the unexpected. Work with others in your area to come up with a plan. Write up your plan and keep the plan in your procedures manual. Don’t have a procedures manual? Grab some help from Julie Perrine.
Jackie