BY LOREEN BERLIN: With that in mind, the Stanton Business Alliance had as its speaker Stanton Police Chief Lt. Sean Howell, addressing the topic of "Active Shooter and Workplace Violence."
Howell gave a power-point presentation of sobering statistics of past and recent shootings in public places and identified what an active shooter might look like and how to determine if a person is depressed, angry or suicidal, and how to respond.
He gave trends and locations where recent problems had involved upset individuals causing many casualties.
BY LOREEN BERLIN: With that in mind, the Stanton Business Alliance had as its speaker Stanton Police Chief Lt. Sean Howell, addressing the topic of "Active Shooter and Workplace Violence."
Howell gave a power-point presentation of sobering statistics of past and recent shootings in public places and identified what an active shooter might look like and how to determine if a person is depressed, angry or suicidal, and how to respond.
He gave trends and locations where recent problems had involved upset individuals causing many casualties.
And, he listed helpful videos for both adults and children in elementary schools. Three of those include the five-minute "Homeland” video: Workplace — Run, Hide and Fight," and there were two videos appropriate for young children, with each video lasting about 10 minutes.
The basics are: run when an active shooter is in the vicinity and if there is an escape path; try to evacuate, even if others don't agree with you to leave. Leave personal belongings behind and help others to escape if possible. Stop others from entering the shooter's area and call 911 when you're out safely.
Hide if you cannot get out. Try to hide behind large objects and lock and/or block the door; silence all cell phones and remain silent.
A hiding place should be out of the shooter's view and provide protection if shots are fired your way.
"Don't trap or restrict your options to move," said Howell.
And, as a last resort, fight only if your life is in danger.
Attempt to incapacitate a shooter. Improvise weapons from the hiding place, such as chairs or other objects that can be lifted and thrown, and once the decision to fight has been made, stay with your actions to save your life.
What is law enforcement doing in response to increased violence?
They are receiving additional training with equipment and knowing how to respond prior, during and after an incident.
Once a 911 call has been placed, remain calm and follow instructions. When officers arrive on-scene, all persons should keep their hands visible and avoid pointing or shouting and just know that help is on the way for the injured.
