Glen Burnie, MD – “Run, Hide, Fight” is what will get you out alive during an active shooter situation.
Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers:
• Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit
• If you are in an office, stay there and secure the door
• Attempt to take the active shooter down as a last resort
(https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/active_shooter_pocket_card.pdf)
Whelan Security hosted an event in Anne Arundel County Thursday, Feb, 18 about how to be prepared for an active shooter or a terrorist threat, held. The speakers covered everything from warning signs of behavior within schools and work all the way to how people should react during the situation should it occur. Whelan specializes in private sector security but also with counter terrorism by hosting such events.
David Paulos, Manager of Security Services, served as the host. Paulod is originally from Calvert County and attended Calvert High School. Paulos introduced all the speakers and explained why each one was chosen and what they were to present to the crowd. He went on to say that “these steps and security measures are so important in schools and businesses to prevent loss of lives.”
Steve Somers, the Vice President of Whelan, agreed and has been a huge force behind stopping domestic terrorism. For Somers, being prepared and being aware are key things to saving lives. He has dedicated his career to this notion and there’s no stopping him now with very informative seminars that he pulls together for the security community.
Jen Corbin (pictured above) of the Anne Arundel County Crisis Response team, was a speaker that really hit on mental illness as a huge factor in mass shootings. Spending lots of time in schools and responding to local authorities getting calls about youth making threats or refusing to take their medication for their mental illnesses, her team is able to go in and make a good rapport with each person as opposed to going in with weapons ready. They build a trust system that seems it has become very effective in avoiding numerous violent situations and suicides in Anne Arundel County.
Lieutenant Amedeo and Detective Sergeant Iannone of the NYPD came to present SHIELD, a program the two created to prevent this type of crime. They have grown over the years from New York to Baltimore to Anne Arundel County to name a few, and their information and training is helping to save lives and keep security companies at the top of their game. From explaining proper procedure to showing what certain deadly weapons look like, education seems to be the foundation of what they believe can prevent some deadly situations.
Finally, if you see something, say something. Whether it’s a disgruntled employee or someone acting very strange at a mall, it doesn’t hurt to just say something.
