by Brianna Crandall — December 30, 2015—ASIS International (ASIS) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), preeminent security and fire protection associations, have launched a joint initiative to address active shooter incidents. The two ANSI-accredited Standards Developing Organizations recognize the need to collectively address the intersections of security, safety and fire safety management to maximize protection of human and physical assets during active shooter incidents.
Given the unpredictable and rapid nature of active shooter events, the organizations say it is critical that schools and educational institutions, entertainment and sporting facilities, religious establishments, and organizations of all types and sizes have the best tools at their disposal to manage security, safety, and fire risks associated with mass violence.
A kick-off stakeholder meeting in Arlington, Virginia on January 19, 2016, will bring together over 50 standards developers, industry groups, and members of law enforcement, government, and academia to explore how to address administrative, management, and technology issues related to active shooter events.
Dr. Marc H. Siegel, commissioner, ASIS Global Standards Initiative, commented:
Active shooter incidents are unpredictable and evolve rapidly. Violent attacks at gatherings, businesses, and public facilities have significant consequences. It is essential to better prepare for and respond to these types of incidents. The intent of this meeting is to bring together the foremost active shooter experts from across the spectrum of security, fire, and safety in an effort to develop tools for organizations of any size and sector, to best protect human life and physical assets.
Robert Solomon, division manager, Building Fire Protection, NFPA, added:
Security, fire protection, and life safety communities need to develop a coordinated effort to address these low probability / high consequence events in our society. By implementing the best technology, architectural and management strategies, we can strengthen our defenses and resilience against active shooters. Given the short response time to active shooter incidents, people need the technology and training to buy time essential to survival, and to minimize losses and consequences of an attack.
Topics of discussion will include:
- Assessing the risks of an active shooter event
- Actions to take to prevent and prepare for an active shooter event
- Recognizing potential indicators of violence
- Responding to an active shooter event
- Actions to take when confronted by an active shooter
- Communication and interfacing with law enforcement officials and first responders
- Managing and mitigating the consequences of an active shooter event
- Seamless integration between security and fire-safety measures and regulations
The objective is to provide guidance to organizations and individuals to prepare for and minimize the likelihood of an event, as well as respond to and recover from an active shooter situation. The meeting will identify the need for technology and management measures as well as awareness and training programs to enhance active shooter mitigation and emergency management. The outcome of the NFPA / ASIS initiative will provide guidance for organizations to consider when developing tailored site-specific plans and procedures.
