Tuesday morning hit hard after a long holiday weekend. On the ride in, I was thinking more about the new terminology that will be rolled out shortly to replace the “Run! Hide! Fight!” – for active shooter situations.

At last week’s National Preparedness Symposium, one of the FEMA Consortium partners brought up the newly revamped procedures.

1. Lock or block it.

2. Become invisible.

3. Silence your phone.

4. Silence yourself.

5. When you come out, ask “Is it OK?”

Lots of discussion on review of actions too. While heroic in practice/training, we are seeing that people are more reserve when it comes to actual emergencies.

Same as before, contemplate a counter-attack strategy with others who are stuck with you. “I go high and you go low” type conversations will help coordinate your immediate response if a threat presents itself.

Having good communications skills as well as non-verbal communications skills are critical esp in a dangerous situation.

Get to know your co-workers and your neighbors.

@rusnivek