Course: Active Shooter Situations in Church Settings

Course Summary:

Active shooter situations have been happening over the years all over the country, in every possible setting: shopping malls, school and college campuses, churches, businesses, and more. And the number of such situations is on the rise. When these situations unfold, you hear about all types of reactions: people running and screaming; others paralyzed with fear; and some crying, wondering how this could happen. In some stories, you hear about ordinary citizens who acted quickly, risking their own lives to save others or stop the shooter.

As an individual, you may think you are powerless to prevent such a situation from happening in your church—but you can be armed with the knowledge that will lead you to take quick and smart action if faced with this type of situation. This 50-minute course will empower you both inside and outside of church situations.

Learning Objectives:

  • Define active shooter situations and how they differ from other emergency situations
  • Know about the prevalence of active shooter situations in today’s society
  • Know your personal responsibilities when faced with an active shooter situation
  • Recognize law enforcement’s role in an active shooter situation and how you can best work with them
  • Identify possible violence indicators
  • Know the importance of planning and preparing for emergency situations
  • Learn about how churches pose specific challenges in active shooter situations
  • Recognize why all citizens should be trained in regard to a security emergency

Key Topics Include:

  • Module 1: Introduction: Explore the definition and other components of active shooter situations.
  • Module 2: The Realities: Learn about active shooter situations from recent history, data about active shooter situations and their prevalence, and your personal responsibility in an emergency situation.
  • Module 3: Law Enforcement’s Role in an Active Shooter Situation: Know about modern-day law enforcement tactics in an active shooter situation, what you might see law enforcement doing and their role when they arrive on scene, and how to act and what to do when law enforcement arrives.
  • Module 4: Taking Action in an Active Shooter Situation: Identify your role in an active shooter situation, learn about Run-Hide-Fight, know what to say to a 911 operator, and recognize the importance of everyday situational awareness.
  • Module 5: The Need for a Plan: Recognize the importance of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), learn about training and its role in preparing people for an emergency, identify indicators of workplace violence, and learn about how churches pose specific challenges in active shooter situations.

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