What to do in an active shooter situation

ST.JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. – A gunman opened fire at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis early Friday morning that left eight people dead.

This shooting isn’t the first we’ve seen this year, there has been a total of five mass shootings in workplace environments since March.

Derek Dieter, the owner of Dieter Security and who’s also a former cop, common councilman, and current county commissioner said it’s important for not only the general public but employers and employees to have a plan and be aware of their surroundings if these situations arise. 

 “The events that you hear gunshots, you’re going to have to act immediately. You know, your first thought you’re going to be shocked, you’re going to be surprised, but after that initial two to three seconds, you have to have a plan of action, you have to move, you have to get out of the line of fire,” Dieter said.

It’s a scene no business or employee wants to ever think about, but it’s becoming way too frequent here in America. Since March, there have been several mass shootings across the country, and the latest one, occurring just a few hours away at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis.

 Dieter helps train businesses here in Michiana, in the event that this scenario becomes a reality. He said companies should make active shooter simulation training mandatory to prepare for the worst. 

 “In the blink of an eye where somebody could be shooting at us across the street, you have to formulate in your own mind what you could do every time you got to a restaurant, every time you’re at work, anytime you’re a social setting just look at the area around you just look for an area to escape or places of cover,” Dieter said. 

 He says to start with being aware of your environment, sit in a position where you can see people coming and going. Then look around for the exit signs and any possible escape route. You want to be able to get out of a building.

Dieter said the worst place anyone could hide is in the bathroom. 

“At the time it may seem like a good idea but you don’t have anywhere to go when you’re in the bathroom. Being able to lock a door in an office building, that will help sometimes,” Dieter said.

If you’re ever in an active shooter situation, finding a secure spot is key if you can’t get out of the building.

ABC57 reached out to FedEx to see if they had any safety protocols, in an email they said, "While we do not publicly disclose information about our security processes and procedures, the safety of our team members is our top priority at FedEx.  FedEx Ground has a policy regarding employee conduct as well as a workplace violence awareness and prevention procedures."