Build trust, foster resilience in times of crisis

In an unpredictable world, businesses must be prepared to respond quickly and effectively to critical incidents—few more urgent than an active shooter situation. While no organization wants to imagine such a scenario, proactive planning can help save lives, enhance employee trust, and minimize business disruption.

Safety first: protecting employees in critical moments

In times of crisis, it’s paramount to ensure your employees are equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to stay protected and supported.

Safeguarding employees is essential to securing a company’s long-term success. One of the most effective ways to support personnel is through thorough preparation, which equips them to handle critical situations with confidence. In the event of an active shooter, every second is vital, and a well-defined plan can significantly impact the outcome. These safety tips can help organizations create a secure environment, empower employees to respond effectively, and reduce the risk of harm—putting people at the center of crisis readiness.

Establish a comprehensive emergency action plan (EAP)

• Include clear evacuation routes, shelter-in-place protocols, and lockdown procedures
• Designate roles for key personnel (e.g., floor wardens, communication leads)
• Facilitate tabletop exercises so teams can discuss hypothetical scenarios and evaluate them against current policies and procedures
• Ensure the plan is accessible, regularly updated, and frequently communicated

Conduct regular training and drills

• Partner with local law enforcement or security experts to provide realistic active shooter training
• Use scenario-based exercises to help employees understand how to manage reactions to stressful situations
• Practice evacuation routes and ensure employees know where designated checkpoints are outside the building
• Simulate lockdown drills, instructing employees to barricade doors, shut off lights, and stay out of sight in their designated secure areas
• Perform tests of communication systems, like text alerts, PA systems, or alarms, to inform employees and deliver instructions

Enhance physical security

• Install surveillance cameras at all entrances, exits, hallways, elevators, stairwells, and high-traffic areas – and place signage indicating surveillance equipment is in use
• Limit and reinforce entry points during business hours
• Employ trained security personnel
• Implement electronic access, like using keycards, biometrics, or keypad systems to manage access – consider giving employees smart badges that can send emergency alerts or track movement during an incident
• Use panic buttons or silent alarms to alert authorities quickly
• Equip workspaces and conference rooms with portable barricades or locking devices, if possible, to secure doors
• Design workspaces with secure hiding spots and multiple exit routes
• Install smart locks that can be remotely controlled during emergencies to prevent access to certain areas
• Deploy automated gunfire detection systems that will alert employees and law enforcement immediately

Implement real-time communication tools

• Use systems that send instant notifications via text, email, or mobile app to alert employees of an active shooter and provide instructions
• Enable push notifications through company apps or platforms to reach employees quickly on their smartphones or work devices
• Install alarms or PA systems to broadcast emergency announcements – prepare standardized alert messages to reduce delays during high-stress situations
• Ensure communication channels are redundant and reliable during emergencies
• Leverage tools, like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or proprietary platforms, to allow employees to communicate or report their status during an emergency

Support employee wellbeing

• Provide access to mental health resources and trauma counseling post-incident
• Create a culture of openness where employees feel safe reporting concerns
• Develop voluntary peer support groups to help employees connect and process the incident together
• Show empathy and solidarity by organizing open forums where employees can express concerns, ask questions, and hear from leadership
• Send communication from leadership, affirming commitment to employees’ recovery and safety moving forward
• Encourage managers to meet regularly with their teams to check on their emotional wellbeing
• Provide flexibility for employees who may need time away to recover from the incident
• If possible, allow employees to work remotely for a period of time if they feel emotionally unable to return to the office environment immediately
• Educate supervisors about how to recognize and respond to signs of distress in employees and know how to direct them to appropriate resources
• Foster team connectivity through events or outings, as appropriate, to help rebuild morale
• Empower employees to be part of improving emergency preparedness by allowing them to be a part of the discussion and provide input

Mitigate business risks and disruptions

While the human impact is paramount, businesses must also prepare for potential operational and financial consequences. A resilient organization is one that can recover quickly while continuing to prioritize its people. Think about these core areas of recovery planning.

1. Business continuity planning

• Identify critical operations and develop contingency plans to maintain them
• Establish remote work capabilities and data backup protocols
• Communicate clearly with stakeholders during and after an incident
• Budget resources to help restore operations while balancing long-term resilience goals

2. Crisis management and public relations

• Prepare a crisis communication strategy to manage media and public response
• Designate spokespeople and ensure messaging is transparent while maintaining sensitivity to the situation
• Establish a team to monitor mentions of the business via social media outlets and respond thoughtfully to misinformation and questions

3. Legal and compliance considerations

• Consult legal experts to ensure compliance with OSHA and local laws and regulations
• Review workplace safety policies
• Document all training and preparedness efforts to demonstrate due diligence

How does insurance play a role?

Integrating the right insurance coverage into your preparedness strategy can help enhance resilience, protect your assets, and ensure a faster path to recovery when the unexpected happens. The role of insurance in a crisis management program is two-fold: preventive and restorative.

Preventative:

Insurance can play a crucial preventative role for active shooter scenarios by helping businesses proactively address risks and minimize potential losses.

• Risk assessment and prevention guidance:
  Many insurers provide risk assessments to help businesses identify vulnerabilities, improve security protocols, and adopt best practices.
• Funding for security enhancements:
  Some insurance policies may cover costs related to improving physical security.
• Employee training programs:
  Insurers often work with businesses to offer or subsidize active shooter preparedness training for employees.
• Crisis planning resources:
  Certain policies may include access to expert resources for developing crisis management plans.
• Legal and regulatory compliance:
  Insurance providers can offer guidance to help businesses meet safety regulations and workplace standards.
• Reputation risk management:
  Coverage for crisis communication expenses allows businesses to manage public relations effectively and preserve their reputation in the wake of an active shooter incident.

Restorative:

Insurance is a vital component of a comprehensive crisis management plan to help manage disruption of operations, financial impact, and resource strain. Coverages a business should consider may include, but are not limited to:

• Active shooter/workplace violence insurance
  Typically includes costs associated with responding to the incident, such as medical expenses for injuries, trauma counseling for affected employees, death benefits, loss of business income, and costs for hiring security professionals or crisis management consultants.
• General liability insurance
  Often includes coverage for third-party claims related to active shooter incidents, such as injuries sustained by customers, vendors, or visitors on the premises. It may also provide legal defense costs if the business is sued as a result of the event.
• Business interruption insurance
  Provides financial assistance if an active shooter incident causes a disruption in business operations, such as closure for investigations or repairs. Coverage generally includes loss of revenue, rent payments, and even employee wages during downtime.
• Workers’ compensation insurance
  Provides coverage for employees who sustain injuries or illnesses as a result of an active shooter incident. It generally includes medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
• Directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance
  Protects executives and board members from claims alleging negligence in handling or preventing active shooter incidents. It generally covers legal defense fees and settlements if they are sued personally due to their role.
• Crisis management/crisis response coverage
  Provides financial support for crisis response efforts following workplace violence events, such as hiring public relations consultants, crisis counselors, security professionals, or legal advisors.
• Property insurance
  Covers damage caused to the physical workplace and also helps with repairs or replacement of damaged property and equipment.
• Terrorism insurance
  Covers costs specifically related to acts of terrorism, including injuries, property damage, and business interruption caused by terrorist attacks, which may include workplace violence incidents like bombings or active shooter events.
• Security liability insurance
  Protects businesses that employ security guards or systems, providing coverage for claims alleging negligence, excessive force, or failure to prevent an incident of workplace violence.

Preparing for an active shooter incident is a difficult but necessary part of modern risk management. By prioritizing employee safety, investing in preparedness, and securing the right insurance coverage, businesses can build resilience in the face of adversity. The goal is not just to survive a crisis—but to emerge stronger, with a workforce that feels protected and valued.

Connect with our team for more information about how we can help.