Preparing for a Mass Shooting

Abstract

This chapter discusses ways to prepare for a mass shooting incident. In terms of planning, these types of incidents are referred to as “active shooter situations” in which a shooting is unfolding and the outcome can potentially be affected by the responses to it. Discussed here are the drafting of emergency management plans and which factors should be considered in the planning process. The chapter then moves onto look at the use of drills and other exercises to help prepare for mass shootings. The views of emergency management experts and activists campaigning against active shooter drills are captured. This paves the way for the next chapter, which discusses how to respond and recover from a mass shooting incident.