Why Have a Protocol?

The Importance of Having a Plan

First and foremost, this is about saving lives—your life, your coworkers’ lives, your students’ lives. Having a plan minimizes casualties by giving people clear steps to follow instead of freezing in fear.

Picture this: A fire alarm goes off. If there’s no fire drill plan, people panic. But when there is a plan, people calmly head to the exits. The same logic applies here. When people know what to do, they’re less likely to panic and make dangerous mistakes.

It’s easy to say, “I’ll figure it out when it happens,” but that’s not how the brain works under stress. Without training, people tend to freeze or deny what’s happening. A protocol gives you a game plan: Run, Hide, or Fight.

A good protocol doesn’t just prepare people—it also identifies security weak spots. It pushes organizations to improve access control, emergency exits, and communication systems so they’re ready before anything happens.

If you own a business, run a school, or manage a facility, you have a duty of care to provide a safe environment. Failing to prepare not only puts people at risk but could also lead to serious legal consequences.

Bottom Line: Being Prepared Saves Lives

Here’s the truth—when something bad happens, most people don’t know what to do. That’s human nature. But when you train and prepare, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re setting an example that helps others take action too.

So, let me ask you—if an active shooter situation happened today, would you know exactly what to do?

If the answer isn’t an immediate “yes,” that’s why we’re here. Let’s get you prepared".

The Importance of Having a Plan: Thinking Ahead Could Save Your Life

Imagine this: You hear loud bangs in the distance—gunfire. What’s your first reaction? Most people don’t instantly recognize the danger or know what to do. Instead, they look around to see how others are reacting.

If no one is panicking, your brain might tell you, “It’s probably nothing.” You hesitate. You wait. You freeze.

But if people around you start running, your brain switches gears: “Maybe I should run too.”

This is called social proof—we take cues from the people around us, especially in uncertain situations. The problem? If everyone hesitates, no one acts. And in an active shooter situation, that delay could be deadly.

Having a Plan Makes the Difference

The best time to make a plan is before you need it. If you’ve already thought through your options, you won’t have to figure it out on the fly—you’ll just execute.

✔ Recognize the problem. Gunshots? Assume they’re gunshots. Don’t rationalize. Don’t wait for confirmation.

✔ Take immediate action. Escape, hide, or fight—whatever is safest in that moment.

✔ Lead by example. If you move decisively, others will follow. You could be the difference between action and hesitation for the people around you.

A plan doesn’t have to be complex. It just has to be practiced. Thinking ahead doesn’t just protect you—it force-multiplies your ability to help others make the right choices too.

Why Aren’t Active Shooter Protocols Standard Everywhere?

We have fire drills in schools. We know what to do in a tornado or earthquake. Even on an airplane, we’re given safety instructions before takeoff. But what about active shooter situations?

🚨 Here’s the reality:

• Risk Perception – People think natural disasters or accidents are more common, so they prioritize those. But active shooter incidents are a growing threat.
• Inconsistent Preparedness – Some workplaces and schools have protocols, but many don’t. And without a standard approach, responses can be all over the place.
• Legal & Ethical Hurdles – Putting active shooter policies in place means navigating tough questions: How much security is enough? How do you balance safety with personal freedoms?
• Lack of Awareness & Training – It’s one thing to have a plan. It’s another thing entirely to train people so they actually know what to do under stress.

💡 Bottom Line:

We need to shift our thinking. Just like we prepare for fires or severe weather, active shooter training needs to be a standard part of safety education. Having a plan—and practicing it—can save lives.

Active Shoote​r Protocols 

Organizations should have an active shooter protocol in place for several critical reasons:

Protecting Lives: The foremost reason for having an active shooter protocol is to protect the lives of employees, customers, students, and anyone else present in the organization's premises. A well-prepared protocol can help minimize casualties and injuries by providing clear guidance on how to respond effectively during an active shooter incident.

Minimizing Chaos and Confusion: During a crisis such as an active shooter situation, chaos and confusion can exacerbate the danger and hinder response efforts. Having a protocol ensures that there are established procedures in place, which can help maintain order, reduce panic, and facilitate a coordinated response.

Empowering Employees: Training employees on active shooter protocols empowers them with the knowledge and skills to take action in an emergency. This includes knowing when to run, hide, or fight, how to communicate with authorities, and how to assist others in staying safe.

Enhancing Security Preparedness: Implementing a protocol involves assessing vulnerabilities, improving security measures, and ensuring that emergency communication systems are robust and effective. It encourages organizations to take proactive steps to enhance their overall security posture.

Legal and Ethical Responsibility: Organizations have a duty of care to provide a safe and secure environment for everyone within their premises. Having an active shooter protocol demonstrates a commitment to fulfilling this responsibility and mitigating risks to the best extent possible.

Compliance and Best Practices: In some industries, such as education and healthcare, having a formal active shooter protocol may be required by regulations or best practices guidelines. Adhering to these standards not only ensures compliance but also demonstrates organizational diligence and preparedness.

Community and Stakeholder Confidence: Stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and the broader community, expect organizations to prioritize safety and be prepared for emergencies. Having a well-established active shooter protocol can enhance trust and confidence in the organization's ability to handle crises effectively.

Crisis Management and Reputation Protection: Effective crisis management, including having a robust active shooter protocol, can protect an organization's reputation and minimize potential long-term impacts on its operations and brand image.