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2 Jake Garzio Drive
Ewing, NJ 08628

Preparedness Update: Attacks in Public Places

According to the Gun Violence Archive, a not-for-profit corporation formed to provide free online public access to accurate information about gun-related violence in the United States, as of July 10th, there have been over 300 mass shootings in the United States so far this year.  

Mass attack MemorialWith the increasing number of brutal and tragic mass shooting attacks in recent months such as in Uvalde, TX, Highland Park, IL, and Buffalo, NY, to name just a few of the most recent tragedies, we need to realize that attacks in public places can happen anywhere, at any time.

Mayor Bert Steinmann and Ewing’s Office of Emergency Management encourage you to be aware and to take steps to prepare, protect yourselves and help others.  

A mass shooting is generally defined as an incident in which four or more people, excluding the perpetrator(s), are shot in one location at roughly the same time.  As we all mourn the tragic and unnecessary losses and injuries of those caught in these tragic events, we share the following preparedness guidelines on how to prepare for and respond to an active shooter situation. These are nationally recognized procedures which may be applied to all businesses, government offices, and large public gathering areas.   Please share with others.

Prepare Before

  • Stay alert.  Always be aware of your environment and any possible dangers.
  • If you see something, say something. That includes suspicious packages, people behaving strangely or someone using strange communications.
  • Observe warning signs. Signs might include unusual or violent communications, substance abuse, expressed anger or intent to cause harm. These warning signs may increase over time.
  • Have an exit plan. Identify exits and areas to hide wherever you go, including work, school and special events.
  • Learn lifesaving skills.  Take trainings such as You Are the Help Until Help Arrives and first aid to assist the wounded before help arrives.

During an Active Shooter Event 

  • Run to Safety Seek safety. Getting away from the attacker is the top priority. Leave your belongings behind and get away.  Call 9-1-1 when you are safe and describe the attacker, location, and weapons.
  • Cover and hide if you can’t evacuate. Find a place to hide out of view of the attacker and put a solid barrier between yourself and the threat if possible. Lock and block doors, close blinds and turn off lights.  Keep silent.
  • Fight only as a last resort. When you can’t run or cover, attempt to disrupt the attack or disable the attacker. Be aggressive and commit to your actions.  Recruit others to ambush the attacker with makeshift weapons such as chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, books, etc.  Be prepared to cause severe or lethal injury to the attacker. 
  • Help the Wounded Take care of yourself first and then, if you are able, help the wounded get to safety and provide immediate care.  Call 9-1-1 when it is safe for you to do so.

When Law Enforcement Arrives

  • Remain calm and follow instructions.
  • Keep hands visible and empty.
  • Report to designated areas to provide information and get help.
  • Follow law enforcement’s instructions and evacuate in the direction they tell you to go. Listen to law enforcement for information about the situation. Share updates as you can with family and friends.

Additional Resources 

FBI training video: Run. Hide. Fight: Surviving an Active Shooter Eventfbi.gov/video-repository/run-hide-fight-092120.mp4/view

Be Prepared for An Active Shooter from Ready.gov  ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/active-shooter_information-sheet.pdf

Active Shooter Preparedness from CISA, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency  cisa.gov/active-shooter-preparedness  for an array of audiences:  First Responders and Security Professionals, Private Citizens, Critical Infrastructures and Businesses, Employee Vigilance and De-escalation.

Printable Flyer (this information is available as a printable flyer)

 

Thank you

Ewing Township

Office of Emergency Management