Active Shooter Response Plan
Workplace active shooter response covering Run Hide Fight (DHS/FBI) and ALICE methodologies. Recognition, response, communication, law enforcement coordination, post-incident response.
When this template is required
No specific OSHA standard but General Duty Clause applies. FBI statistics show workplaces are a substantial active shooter venue. Plan documents response framework — Run Hide Fight or ALICE — with workplace-specific procedures.
Why this template
Run Hide Fight + ALICE
Two frameworks: Run Hide Fight (DHS/FBI, simpler) and ALICE (more elaborate, often used in schools). Plan covers both.
Recognition + reporting
Attackers usually show observable behaviors beforehand and colleagues notice them. The plan covers what to report, how and when, plus a reporting guide appendix. Threat assessment and intervention belong to your Workplace Violence Prevention Program — this plan is the response half and points to it.
Mass notification
Plan addresses mass notification — multiple channels (alarms, SMS, email, intercom) reaching all workers including remote/break/visitor.
Post-incident response
Survivors and witnesses need psychological support. Plan addresses counseling availability, reunification, return-to-work, longer-term support.
What you receive
- Active Shooter Response Plan (Word .docx)
- Run Hide Fight procedure (DHS-aligned)
- ALICE alternative methodology
- Warning sign recognition
- Communication procedure (mass notification, 911)
- Law enforcement coordination
- Post-incident response and reunification
- Annual training outline
How you get it
This document is written and reviewed against the standard it cites, and it is ready now. The download link is emailed as soon as your payment clears.
Revisions included — if something about your operation changes what the document should say, reply to the delivery email and we will amend it.
Who buys this
- Office workplaces
- Manufacturing facilities
- Retail and hospitality
- Healthcare facilities
- Schools and universities
- Public-facing government offices
Frequently asked
Is active shooter response required?
No specific federal OSHA standard, but the General Duty Clause applies where workplace violence is a recognized hazard. California is the broad case: Labor Code §6401.9 requires most California employers to maintain a written workplace violence prevention plan that covers alerting employees and evacuation or sheltering. Other state duties are sector-specific — New York Labor Law §27-b (public employers, 20+ employees) and the New York Retail Worker Safety Act, Labor Law §27-e (retail employers, 10+ employees); Illinois' Health Care Violence Prevention Act (health care only). Confirm what applies to each location. Insurance carriers and accreditation bodies frequently require a plan regardless.
Run Hide Fight vs ALICE?
Run Hide Fight (DHS/FBI): Run if you can, Hide if not, Fight as last resort. Simpler, widely adopted. ALICE: Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate — more elaborate, often in schools. Both valid; train consistently with chosen approach.
Should we drill?
Drills are controversial. Worker drills can cause psychological harm. Tabletop exercises and scenario-based training are preferred. Pure walkthrough/training is the recommended starting point.
How does this coordinate with police?
Police response is critical resolution path. Plan documents 911 contact, essential information to communicate (description, location, weapons, worker status), workplace map availability, post-arrival worker behavior.