7 Steps to Prepare for an Active Violence Situation

In today’s world, the possibility of encountering an active violence event is a reality that workplaces and communities must be prepared for. While we hope never to face such a situation, being prepared can make all the difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Here’s a practical guide to help you prepare for an active violence event, with actionable steps that can be implemented in any environment.

1. Understand the Risks

The first step in preparing for an active violence event is understanding the potential risks. Assess your environment to identify vulnerabilities. Consider factors like location, access points, and the daily flow of people. By recognizing the specific risks that your workplace or community faces, you can better plan and prepare for an emergency.

2. Develop a Response Plan

Having a detailed response plan is crucial, especially when it comes to workplace safety. This plan should outline specific actions to take during an active violence event, such as lockdown procedures, evacuation routes, and communication protocols. Ensure that the plan is tailored to your environment and includes clear roles and responsibilities for everyone involved.

3. Conduct Regular Drills

Practice makes perfect. Conduct regular drills to simulate an active violence event, allowing employees or community members to practice the response plan in a controlled environment. These drills should cover different scenarios, such as an intruder entering the building or a threat outside. The goal is to build muscle memory so that in a real situation, everyone knows exactly what to do.

4. Take an AVERT Class as a Group

In the aftermath of an active violence event, there may be injuries that require immediate medical attention. In that case, taking part in an active violence emergency response training (AVERT) can save lives. Ensure that key personnel are trained and that first aid kits and AEDs are readily available and accessible.

5. Create a Communication Plan

Communication is critical during an active violence event. Establish a communication plan that includes how to alert employees or community members, how to contact emergency services, and how to provide updates during and after the event. Consider using multiple communication channels, such as loudspeakers, text messages, and emails, to ensure that everyone receives timely information.

6. Build a Culture of Awareness

Encourage a culture of awareness where everyone is vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Promote the “See Something, Say Something” philosophy, empowering individuals to report suspicious activity or behaviors that could indicate a potential threat. Building this culture can prevent an active violence event before it even begins.

7. Review and Update Plans Regularly

Finally, it’s important to regularly review and update your response plan. As new risks emerge or your environment changes, your plan should evolve to address these factors. Schedule annual reviews and involve key stakeholders in the process to ensure that your plan remains effective and up-to-date.

Need Active Violence Training?

Preparation is key to surviving an active violence event, and proper training can make all the difference. At Medserv Healthcare Solutions, we offer comprehensive active violence emergency response training (AVERT) to teach workplace staff how to prepare for and respond to emergencies. 

Contact us to request a training session tailored to your needs. Medserv has highly qualified instructors with decades of actual field experience. Our instructors can come to your location nationwide.