Preparedness - Extreme Violence/Active Shooter Preparedness

Extreme Violence/Active Shooter

Develop a Survival Mindset

  • Developing a survival mindset enables you to act quickly and effectively.
  • Remember to “Be mindful, not fearful” (think of “Airline safety briefing”). When you are on a plane, the safety briefing is given not to make you afraid to fly, but to make you better prepared in case something were to happen.
  • Raising your level of awareness will allow you to better make that first, critical decision.

Continually Assess Your Situation

  • Allows you to take appropriate survival action.
  • Use all senses.
  • Trust your intuition – that “gut” feeling (think of “Knowing without knowing why”).

Get Out
“… if you hear what sounds like gunshots …”

  • Move quickly; don’t wait for others to validate your decision.
  • Leave belongings behind (take your cell phone).
  • Survival chances increase if able to go where the shooter can’t see you.
  • Call out (inform authorities; tell them name of shooter (if known), shooter description, location, number and type of weapons; if you can, also call Global Security).

Hide Out
“… you may not be able to get out – the shooter may be between you and the only exit or you would have to enter area where shooter is positioned …”

  • Find a hiding place (well-hidden and well protected; avoid places that might trap you or restrict movement).
  • Find a room that can be locked with objects to hide behind; blockade door with heavy furniture; turn out lights; become totally silent.
  • Turn off noise-producing devices.
  • Call  9-1-1 (if you can do so without alerting the shooter).
  • If two or more of you are together, spread out – DO NOT huddle together. This gives you options and makes it harder for the shooter.
  • Quietly develop a plan of action in the event the shooter enters; remain calm (can have a contagious effect on others; keeps others focused on survival).

Take Out – Defend Yourself
“… you may find yourself in the same room as the shooter – maybe even face to face… If you can’t get out or hide out …”

  • Assume the shooter’s intentions are lethal. Develop a survival mindset that you have “what it takes” to survive when your life is on the line.
  • At last resort, you must be prepared to do whatever it takes to neutralize the threat (throw things, yell, use improvised weapons. If there are two or more of you, plan to overcome the shooter. Do the best that you can – choose to survive).

What to expect from law enforcement when they arrive?

  • Law enforcement’s purpose is to stop the active shooter as soon as possible. Officers will proceed directly to the area in which the last shots were heard.
  • Do NOT expect officers to assist you as you get out.
  • Medical assistance will follow once the threat is neutralized.

If you are hiding out, do not present a threat to Law Enforcement officers when they enter the room.

  • Do NOT: Point at the officers or the shooter;
  • Do NOT: make quick movements;
  • Do NOT: run towards the officers or attempt to hug them;
  • Do NOT: scream or yell;
  • Do NOT: have anything in your hands – officers are taught that “hands kill.”
  • DO: Raise your arms;
  • DO: spread your fingers;
  • DO: show hands as you drop to the floor. 

Recognize and report behaviors of concern observed in the workplace:

    • to your manager
    • to your Human Resources Consultant
    • to the Ethics Hotline:  800-752-7024
    • or your Business Ethics Officer
    • to Global Security
  • Be aware of and comply with the Company’s workplace violence prevention program
    • Prudential has an established Violence and the Workplace (VATW) program and Incident Oversight Team
  • Treat everyone with respect, dignity, kindness, and compassion.