Active Shooter Preparedness: Essential Security Strategies for Buildings

In the face of increasing active shooter threats, businesses, schools, and public institutions must adopt comprehensive security strategies to protect occupants. While law enforcement response is critical, proactive building design and emergency planning can make a significant difference in mitigating risks.

The Importance of Security Risk Assessments

Before implementing security enhancements, organizations should conduct a security risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities. Certified security professionals can analyze building layouts, existing security measures, and potential entry points to recommend improvements.

Key Design Strategies for Active Shooter Preparedness

Security-focused design plays a critical role in delaying attackers and improving safety:

• Controlled Entry Points: Using keycard access, mantrap vestibules, and perimeter barriers to prevent unauthorized entry.
• Enhanced Surveillance: Installing AI-powered cameras and gunshot detection systems to provide real-time threat alerts.
• Emergency Lockdown Capabilities: Smart electronic locks and reinforced doors to contain threats and protect occupants.
• Safe Refuge Areas: Designated secure rooms equipped with communication tools for emergency sheltering.

Emergency Response Planning and Training

Having a well-defined emergency response plan is essential for effective crisis management. Organizations should implement and regularly update:

• Lockdown and Evacuation Procedures: Clear escape routes and shelter-in-place strategies.
• Mass Notification Systems: Alerts through mobile devices, PA systems, and alarms.
• Active Shooter Drills: Staff and occupant training on Run, Hide, Fight or ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) protocols.

Read more on our website! 

The IEI Physical Security Advantage

As Physical Security Professionals (PSP), we have conducted physical security risk assessments for individual buildings and entire campuses. We have lead design teams in the incorporation of physical security into the building design.

We have also performed physical security peer reviews of finished designs on behalf of the government. And with our expertise in structural engineering including structural dynamics, we’re able to holistically engineer buildings for ballistic and explosive threats including hardening and progressive collapse resistance. With our extensive Engineer of Record (EOR), we can easily manage the incorporation of protective design and physical security measures into each of the discipline drawings and specifications.

Our sought-after expertise has resulted in numerous peer reviewed presentations at professional society conferences and symposiums in the area of physical security, risk assessments, terroristic and wartime threats, blast and progressive-collapse resistance design, and vehicle barriers.

Contact us today to see how we can help you with your next project!