Active Shooter Response

ALICE Training Institute

Many useful strategies for effective response to an active shooter in a school or workplace can be found at www.alicetraining.com. One article found on this website reminds us that ALICE is an acronym for alert, lockdown, inform, counter and evacuate. The article emphasizes that information should be shared clearly, and people should be empowered to make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances. When locking down, it is important to silence devices and barricade access points to the room as well as possible. At our school, most teachers have had conversations with students about how classroom entrances can be barricaded. However, this is difficult with our classroom doors because they all open outward because of fire code. Also, while in a lockdown, individuals should utilize their time and give consideration to what steps will be taken should an intruder breach the barricade. Accurate, real-time information is crucial during an active shooter situation. Individuals can make better informed decisions if they know the whereabouts of the intruder and whether the intruder appears to be working alone. This will allow individuals to assess the possibility of a safe evacuation. At my school, we try to share this information by text or email when possible. Individuals should consider strategies for countering an attack prior to finding themselves within an active shooter situation. Although the though of such a situation terrifies me, countering an attack could be last resort option between life and death for students and teachers. Students should be taught to create disruptive noises and movements that can be a distraction to the shooter, once the barrier is breached, reducing a shooter’s accuracy. Lastly, the article emphasizes that rally points should be determined during the planning phase so that there is a common meeting place in the event that evacuation is possible.