Lockdown – know what to do Published March 18, 2010 By Monica Mendoza PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- No two active shooter situations are alike, said Staff Sgt. Brian Marshall, 21st Security Forces Squadron. Shooters are different and motivated by different reasons, he said. Locations are different, incidents happen inside buildings or outside base or school grounds. Sometimes there is no specific target and sometimes the shooter knows exactly who their victim is and where he works. In describing the profile of an active shooter, Sergeant Marshall said, "it could be anyone, of any age." The shooting on Fort Hood, Texas, Nov. 5, 2009, made military personnel aware that an active shooter is one of the most difficult emergency situations an installation could face. During a recent Condor Crest exercise, the wing was tested on its response to active shooters on base. One area, highlighted by the inspector general's evaluation team, is the need for base personnel to practice lockdown procedures. "We need to formalize lockdown procedures," Col. Stephen N. Whiting, 21st SW commander told Airmen during a March 9 commander's call. "If you don't know what your lockdown procedures are, talk to your supervisor, talk to your first sergeant or talk to your building manager." On average, an active shooting scenario can last from 10 to 15 minutes, Sergeant Marshall said. If caught out in the open with an active shooter, base personnel should take cover behind objects that can stop a bullet. "You need to use common sense, use your best judgment and use your basic instinct," Sergeant Marshall said. "And, you need to have a plan." Base personnel should look around their work centers and pre-determine what they could use as a barricade for the office door if there were a shooter in the building, Sergeant Marshall said. "Look at your doors, look at your windows, look at your locks and plan an escape route," he said. Although active shooters can be anyone of any age, there are some things base personnel can pay attention to, Sergeant Marshall said. Past active shooters have been mentally unstable, suicidal or depressed. Many past attackers have felt bullied, persecuted or injured by others prior to the attack, he said. According to Sergeant Marshall, base personnel should pay attention to people who have recently separated from the military or civil service for cause; people under investigation for serious crimes; people awaiting disciplinary action such as a court martial; anyone who made unsolicited comments about violence, firearms or death; anyone served with restraining or no-contact orders; anyone making comments about being disenchanted with military; anyone openly empathizing with an adversarial group or cause; and anyone exhibiting a short temper, irritability or threatening co-workers. "If you see any of these warning signs, intervene right away and let someone know this is out of the ordinary," Sergeant Marshall said. Active shooter defense · If escape is not possible, hide · Disperse, but avoid shelter-in-place locations · Lock doors, windows and turn off the lights · Seek immediate cover, take immediate action to minimize exposure to the threat · Relocate people from hallways and common areas into rooms which can be locked · Block entry to hiding place with heavy furniture or equipment · Stay low to the ground and away from doors and windows · Take cover under desks, lie flat on the floor; Make location appear unoccupied · Remain calm; If possible, call 556-4000 or 911 and stay on the telephone with the dispatcher · Disregard fire alarms, unless you detect smoke or flames