<h3>Understanding Active Shooter Incidents</h3><p>An Active Shooter is defined as an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined or populated area. These situations typically involve firearms and lack a predictable pattern for victim selection. It is crucial to understand that every active shooter incident is unpredictable and evolves rapidly. Your ability to take swift and correct actions can significantly increase the chances of survival for yourself and others. This training module provides essential guidelines to help Northpoint volunteers respond effectively in such high-stress scenarios. Being prepared, rather than overwhelmed, is the first step towards ensuring safety and minimizing harm.</p><p>The goal is to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to act decisively when every second counts. This training will cover general guidelines for all building occupants, with specific protocols for children's environments and the Guest Services Team.</p>

<h4>What to Expect & The Core Strategy: Run, Hide, Fight</h4><p>During an active shooter situation, you can expect to hear gunfire and screaming, experience mass confusion, and potentially witness injuries or fatalities. People will likely be fleeing the immediate area, and you should also be alert for any suspicious packages. Your immediate priority is to quickly assess the situation and determine the most reasonable way to protect lives. Northpoint’s core guideline for such scenarios is the &quot;Run, Hide, Fight&quot; strategy.</p><p>This framework provides a clear, actionable sequence of responses to help you survive. It emphasizes proactive decision-making under duress: first, attempting to escape if safe; if not, finding a secure place to hide; and as a last resort, confronting the threat to protect yourself and others. Each step requires a unique mindset and set of actions, which we will detail in the following sections to ensure you are fully prepared.</p>

Run. Hide. Fight. by the City of Houston

<h4>RUN: Escape if Safe</h4><p>If you determine it is safe to do so, your primary objective is to <strong>RUN</strong>. A moving target is inherently harder to hit, increasing your chances of survival. <strong>ESCAPE</strong> by any means available, whether through doors or windows. Do not hesitate; getting out and creating distance is paramount. If possible, help others escape, but be prepared to leave even if others refuse to follow. It is essential to leave your belongings behind to move faster and prevent others from entering the danger zone. Critically, <em>do not activate the fire alarm</em>, as this could lead others into the shooter's path. Once you reach a safe area, immediately call 911 and stay on the phone. Provide the exact location, number of shooters, descriptions, last known location, type of weapons, and estimated number of victims. Always obey directives from responding law enforcement.</p>

<h4>HIDE: Concealment and Barricade</h4><p>If you cannot safely evacuate, your next course of action is to <strong>HIDE</strong>. The priority is to be quiet and remain out of the shooter’s sight. Immediately lock and/or barricade any door using available furniture or doorstops. Turn off all lights in the room and silence your cell phone or any other devices that could make noise. Seek robust cover and concealment, such as behind solid furniture or walls, that can offer protection from gunfire.</p><p>Call 911 only if it is safe to do so without revealing your position. Your goal is to remain hidden and silent until law enforcement arrives and explicitly announces their presence. It is crucial to obey all directives from responding officers once they are on the scene, keeping your hands visible and following their instructions precisely.</p>

According to the 'Run, Hide, Fight' strategy, what is the absolute first action you should consider in an active shooter situation, if possible?

Understanding Active Shooter & Run, Hide, Fight

This module outlines Northpoint's comprehensive emergency action plan for volunteers in the event of an active shooter scenario, covering the critical 'Run, Hide, Fight' strategy, law enforcement expectations, and specific protocols for children's environments and the Guest Services Team.

<h3>FIGHT: As a Last Resort</h3><p>As a last resort, if your life is in imminent danger and you cannot run or hide, you must be prepared to <strong>FIGHT</strong> with all-out commitment. This means being physically aggressive and using improvised weapons – anything available that can be used to attack and incapacitate the shooter. Your intent should be to cause severe injury or incapacitation to stop the threat. This is not about self-defense in a typical sense, but a desperate act to save lives.</p><p>It’s important to understand that this option is considered only when there is no other reasonable way to protect yourself or others. Your mindset should be one of survival and absolute determination. Once law enforcement arrives, obey their directives immediately and without question, keeping your hands visible. This decisive action, though extreme, can be a critical life-saving measure.</p>

Important Note on Armed Response

<p>Northpoint's policy states that only pre-approved, licensed personnel may carry firearms. Use of permitted firearms is strictly allowed only in active, imminent threat scenarios and must fully comply with Texas law and Northpoint’s internal security standards. <strong>Volunteers should never attempt to engage an armed shooter unless explicitly trained and authorized.</strong> Your focus should remain on the Run, Hide, Fight strategy as outlined for general population.</p>

<h4>What to Expect from Responding Law Enforcement Officers</h4><p>When law enforcement officers arrive, understand that their training directs them to proceed immediately to the area where shots were last heard to stop the shooter as quickly as possible. They may appear differently than expected, possibly in groups of four, wearing bulletproof vests, helmets, and carrying shotguns or rifles. These officers may be from other departments, such as the Cedar Park Police Department. While they may seem very authoritative and demanding, you need not fear them.</p><p>It is critical to keep your hands in plain view and drop any items you may be carrying. Do not question their authority, but quickly provide any information you have. Do not be alarmed if officers pass injured people; their primary objective is to neutralize the threat. You may be asked to remain in a secure location for an interview following the incident's conclusion.</p>

<h4>Specific Protocol for Children’s Environments (Volunteers)</h4><p>For volunteers in children's environments, protecting the most vulnerable is paramount. If safe to do so, <strong>evacuate</strong> using the nearest, safest exit. Help children escape quickly and calmly, leaving all belongings behind for faster movement. Guide them to a pre-designated safe location outside the building. If evacuation is not safe, initiate a <strong>lockdown</strong>. Secure the room by locking and barricading doors with furniture or doorstops. Turn off lights and keep children quiet and out of sight, away from windows and doors. Encourage calm with whispering or non-verbal activities.</p><p>Silence all cell phones and devices, using text messages for silent communication with emergency services and the Northpoint Safety team. If directly confronted and there is no other option, adults may need to act aggressively to protect the children. Use available objects as improvised weapons to disarm or incapacitate the attacker, prioritizing the safety of the children above all else.</p>

You are volunteering in a children's classroom when an active shooter situation is announced. Describe the steps you would take to ensure the safety of the children, assuming evacuation is not immediately safe.

Fight, Law Enforcement & Children's Environments

<h3>Protocol for Guest Services Team (Volunteers)</h3><p>As a member of the Guest Services Team, your role is critical in guiding congregants during a crisis. Your calm and collected demeanor will significantly influence how others respond. It is essential to know the building layout thoroughly, including all exits, hiding spots, safe zones, and the location of First Aid materials. Work closely with other ushers, greeters, and security personnel to ensure a coordinated and effective response.</p><p>Your primary responsibilities include maintaining composure, providing clear directions, and assisting vulnerable individuals. Understanding the 'Run, Hide, Fight' principles in the context of guest safety is paramount, as you are often the first point of contact and guidance for attendees.</p>

<h4>Guest Services: Evacuate, Lockdown, Confront</h4><p>If <strong>Evacuation is Safe</strong>: Calmly but urgently direct people away from the shooter toward the safest exits. Guide and assist individuals with disabilities, children, and older adults. Ensure people do not congregate near exits or in open spaces; direct them to pre-designated safe zones.</p><p>If <strong>Lockdown is Unsafe</strong> for evacuation: Secure entry points by locking and barricading doors. Lead guests to designated hiding spots (e.g., classrooms, storage rooms), keeping everyone silent and out of sight. Silence mobile devices and avoid unnecessary noise.</p><p>If <strong>Confronted</strong> (last resort): Work as a team to disarm or incapacitate the shooter using improvised weapons (e.g., chairs, fire extinguishers). Prioritize protecting others, especially vulnerable congregants, with an all-out commitment. Your decisive action and preparedness are key to minimizing harm.</p>

Key Responsibilities for Guest Services

<p><strong>Remember these critical points:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Stay Calm &amp; Collected:</strong> Your demeanor guides others.</li><li><strong>Know Your Layout:</strong> Be familiar with all exits and safe zones.</li><li><strong>Work as a Team:</strong> Coordinate with other personnel.</li><li><strong>Prioritize Safety:</strong> Guide guests efficiently through Run, Hide, or Fight.</li></ul>

<h4>After an Occurrence: Reunification and Assistance</h4><p>Once law enforcement secures the scene, the focus shifts to assisting with reunification and incident reporting. If an exit occurred, children should be taken to a pre-designated reunification point. Perform a sweep of the building to check for any hidden or potentially left-behind children. If you remained inside, stay in your assigned room and follow routine check-out procedures.</p><p>For children, notify parents or guardians of the reunification point and verify identification before releasing children, following routine check-out procedures. As a Guest Services volunteer, assist law enforcement by providing any information you observed about the shooter or the event. Support guests by helping manage reunification processes and offering reassurance. A representative from the Safety team will contact Executive Leadership and complete the Incident Report, submitting it to Northpoint Staff.</p>

I have reviewed the Active Shooter Emergency Action Plan for Volunteers and understand my responsibilities. Click to confirm.