The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently released to the public the second edition of its Planning and Response to an Active Shooter: An Interagency Security Committee Policy and Best Practices Guide. This version removes material marked For Official Use Only contained in the first edition, so that it can be disseminated widely. The guide includes procedures for preparedness, training and exercises, response (run, hide or fight) and recovery along with other resources and templates. All water and wastewater utilities are recommended to have active shooter preparedness plans.
According to the guide, an effective active shooter plan will include procedures for the following areas:
- Proactive steps to identify individuals who may commit a violent act
- Preferred method of reporting incidents
- How to neutralize the threat
- Evacuation and lockdown per building
- Integration with facility incident commanders (internal and external)
- Local emergency response contacts
- Restoration of operations
The document contains guidance for all who might be involved, including law enforcement agencies, facility tenants and the public. Certain responsibilities outlined within this document are specific to designated law enforcement officers or the authorities. Other sections of this document are meant to educate facility tenants regarding actions they can take to save themselves or others.
Several other planning resources are available from DHS and the FBI, and WaterISAC’s portal contains numerous other material, including a webcast and after-action reports from incidents. (Search “active shooter” after logging in.)