---
title: "Preparing for the Unthinkable: Things to Consider Before, During, and After an Active Shooter Incident"
url: "https://icsecurity.com/preparing-for-the-unthinkable-things-to-consider-before-during-and-after-an-active-shooter-incident/"
type: post
date_published: "2025-10-09"
date_modified: "2025-12-12"
schema:
  @type: Article
language: "en-US"
word_count: 371
reading_time: 2 min
canonical: "https://icsecurity.com/preparing-for-the-unthinkable-things-to-consider-before-during-and-after-an-active-shooter-incident/"
featured_image: "https://icsecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AdobeStock_578753320.jpeg"
categories:
- Blog
tags:
- Blog
---

# Preparing for the Unthinkable: Things to Consider Before, During, and After an Active Shooter Incident

![Multiple tall sky scraper buildings](https://icsecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AdobeStock_578753320.jpeg)

In recent years, active shooter incidents have become a tragically familiar risk
across workplaces, schools, public venues, and even hospitals. According to
[CNN](https://www.cnn.com/us/mass-shootings-2025-vs-past-years-dg) and Gun
Violence Archive, there have been 331 mass shooting events YTD (through October
5, 2025) alone in the U.S. 

Training, preparation, and the proper security protocols are key for your
organization when the unthinkable happens. Below are suggestions to put in place
before, during, and after an incident with your security teams.

### 󠀁**Preparation & Prevention (Before an Incident):**󠁿

- **Conduct threat assessments and security audits:** examine entry/exit points,
  vulnerable zones, parking lots, blind spots, etc.
- **Install physical security layers: **access control, which can include badge
  screening, turnstiles, metal detection, and weapons screening when feasible.
  Investigating technologies like cameras, mass notification systems, etc., as
  an additional layer.
- **Train staff in active shooter response: **not just lockdown but options
  protocols (run, hide, fight) and coordinated drills.
- **Define communication and evacuation plans:** building-wide announcements,
  clear emergency roles and responsibilities, and evacuation plans with multiple
  egress paths.

### 󠀁**Response & Control (During an Incident)**󠁿:

- **Act decisively: **within your training and authority.
- **Execute the Run, Hide, Fight Options mindset: **support escape, when
  possible, direct occupants to safe zones, and engage only if there is no other
  choice.
- **Maintain situational awareness: **monitor attacker movement, changing
  conditions, and lines of fire.
- **Coordinate with backup security teams and law enforcement: **relay real-time
  intel.
- **Prioritize life safety by helping occupants and assisting the injured: **If
  needed, provide first aid or life-saving trauma care until medical help
  arrives.

### 󠀁**Post Event & Recovery (After the Incident)**󠁿

- **Account for occupants and provide status to first responders**
- **Assist law enforcement: **with witness statements, CCTV footage, building
  layouts, etc.
- **Secure the scene and preserve evidence when possible.**
- **Conduct after-action reviews: **what worked, what failed, lessons learned.
  Revise training protocols and physical security measures based on lessons
  learned. Conduct refresher training regularly.

With proper training, regular drills, and coordinated planning with facility
leadership and law enforcement, Security Guards can save lives and mitigate
chaos when seconds count.

Inter-Con can help your company with conducting a risk assessment for your
business and ensure your security coverage is ready and right for your business.

**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Blog