Violence Strikes Too Close_Be Prepared
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our world was filled with only kindness and not the increasing violence we see and hear about each day? Although we never want to think that we will be involved or that it will happen where we are, gun violence and active shooter scenarios are becoming more and more common. And, they are now occurring in places we thought were safe…churches, schools, movie theatres and even bowling centers. This recently was the case at Gable House Bowl in Torrance, California. This center had no forewarning, their day started just as any other day always did.
Active shooter incidents are unpredictable, random and escalate quickly. In the midst of chaos, anyone can play an important role in mitigating the impacts of an active shooter incident.
We know this isn’t a topic anyone likes to discuss and certainly has nothing to do with BES X or QubicaAMF products or topics that are generally featured on this blog. However, this is a reality that we must all face these days…no place is off limits to violence, so centers need to take the steps necessary to be prepared.
Being prepared can be the difference between life and death. In a crisis situation, do your employees have the tools they need so they know how to react?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has a number of resources available to assist you in forming an action plan for your center and to help you and your staff understand the importance of being prepared and can be found below.
It’s also a good idea to be prepared in other ways such as making sure emergency exit lights are not burned out and passages are not blocked as well as keeping employees constantly looking around and evaluating the center, the customers and the situation.
Finally, reach out to your local police department. They can provide you with additional resources and training and help you create a plan.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of the Gable House Bowl shooting and to Gable House Bowl for being exposed to such a traumatic situation. Our bowling community will always be there for each other.
Options for Consideration Active Shooter Preparedness Video
Active Shooter Emergency Action Plan Video