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How to Prepare for an Active Shooter Situation at Your Gym
Active shooter scenarios can occur anywhere—often when we least expect it. An emergency action plan will help you prepare for the worst.
Active shooter scenarios can occur anywhere—often when we least expect it. The FBI identified at least 30 active shooter situations across the United States in 2017 alone, and a Google search revealed that at least seven incidents have occurred at fitness centers since 2009. Now more than ever, it’s important to be prepared with a plan to address any threat to your facilities and your members.
How to Prepare for an Active Shooter Situation is a resource designed for clubs that want to be prepared in the event of an active shooter situation.
“The FBI argues that active shooter prevention ‘is not and cannot be a passive process.' It takes an active commitment on the part of business ownership and management to decrease the likelihood of casualties and bodily harm within your club.”
The resource is divided into two sections.
The first section covers “Advance Preparation,” which outlines creating a plan that covers effective procedures for neutralizing an active shooter situation, educating your employees and members about your plan, accessing the floor plans for your facility for entry and exit points, developing a plan for protecting children, and discussing your insurance options with your provider.
The second section covers “Responding to a Shooter.” In this section, club operators will learn how to communicate with staff, members, and first responders during an active shooter event, how to address damages caused by an incident, and how to begin the recovery process, if necessary.
If you have additional questions after reading this briefing paper, you can always email IHRSA for more information.
