To schedule live training for your employees, call or email Robin Ebmeyer at extension
7977 or Ashley Larsen at extension 8665.
Avoid - Deny - Defend - Aid
If you are involved in a situation where someone has entered the area and started
brandishing a weapon such as a gun or knife or other object, the following actions
are recommended. It should be noted that these types of incidents are unpredictable.
The guidelines listed are recommendations that are based on past national experiences.
You may have to alter some of these suggestions depending on the situation.
Avoid (starts with your state of mind)
Be aware of your surroundings: Always identify at least two exit paths in any building.
Have an exit plan: Know where you will go before you need to move.
Move away immediately: If you hear or see a threat, put as much distance between yourself and the source
as possible. Help others escape if possible.
Leave your belongings: Your life is more important than your phone, bag, or laptop.
Deny (when getting away is not an option)
Create barriers: Lock the door and use heavy furniture to barricade the entrance.
Turn off the lights: Make the room look unoccupied.
Silence your electronics: Turn off ringers and vibration settings on phones.
Stay out of sight: Move away from doors and windows; hide behind large objects that provide cover.
Defend (your right to protect yourself)
As a last resort: This is what you do only when Avoid and Deny are not an option.
Commit to your actions: If you must defend yourself, act decisively and commit to your actions until you
can escape or the threat is eliminated.
Use improvised weapons: Anything can be a tool—fire extinguishers, chairs, or books. Use available objects
to distract, disorient, or defend yourself if necessary.
Don’t fight fair: Focus on survival and creating an opportunity to escape.
Act as a team: if possible.
Aid (help yourself and others)
Call 911 when safe: Provide your location and a description of the threat.
Stop the bleed: If you are safe, apply direct pressure to severe bleeding and use a tourniquet if
trained and available. Bleeding control kits are located in AED cabinets.
Follow police commands: When help arrives, always keep your hands visible and empty.
Check on others: Once in a secure location, help those around you manage stress and physical injuries.
Respond Appropriately When Law Enforcement Arrives:
Remain calm and follow the officers’ instructions.
Do not run when police enter the vicinity. Drop to the floor, if you are told to do
so, or move calmly out of the area or building.
Do not make quick moves toward officers or hold on to them for safety.
Avoid pointing, screaming, or yelling.
Do not stop officers to ask for help or directions. Keep your hands visible and follow
officers’ instructions. Evacuate using the route they direct you to take.
For your own safety, do not get upset or argue if an officer questions whether you
are a shooter or a victim. Do not resist, even if you are handcuffed and searched.
If you are a witness, you will be asked to give a statement to the police.
How to Barricade Classroom and Office Doors
Begin by locking the door if possible.
Outward-opening door:
Secure a strong belt, cord, or rope around the door closer to restrict opening.
Or tie the inside door handle to a large, heavy piece of furniture.
Place additional heavy furniture in front of the doorway to create an added barrier
and slow or prevent entry.
Inward-opening door:
Place heavy furniture against the door to block entry.
Apply a doorstop or wedge between the floor and the door to help keep the door closed.
