GHS/OCD Promotes Active Shooter Preparedness

GHS/OCD Promotes Active Shooter Preparedness

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) recognize the importance of preparedness for all-hazards, both natural and man-made, to include preparedness from active shooter (AS) threats and events.
 
GHS/OCD, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Mariana Regional Fusion Center (MRFC), have met with partner agencies that make up an Active Shooter Working Group for Guam. Participating agencies beside GHS/OCD, DHS and MRFC include the Guam Police Department, Guam Customs & Quarantine, Judiciary of Guam, Guam Department of Education, Port Authority of Guam, Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigations, United States Secret Service, and other local and federal partners.
 
The Active Shooter Working Group has met since the beginning of 2018 and continue to work together to update and improve plans to train emergency responders and educate the community about active shooter preparedness. Active Shooter training is a component of the GHS/OCD Training & Exercise Multi-Year Training Plan and is offered through GHS/OCD coordination.
 
As part of the education initiative, GHS/OCD, working with GPD, have created an Active Shooter Preparedness PSA, https://youtu.be/iq_aysFbhTY, shared here for widest distribution. The commercial highlights the importance of recognizing signs of potential violence around you.
 
“Active Shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly,” stated Homeland Security Advisor, George Charfauros. “Reporting suspicious behavior beforehand may help save lives. The community is reminded to contact the MRFC if they see something suspicious such as someone taking photos of entryways and exits to secure buildings, someone asking questions about security shift changes, or even reporting to employers or teachers a drastic change in behavior of students or coworkers. That simple act alone may help prevent an active shooter situation,” Charfauros continued.
 
Before an active shooter situation, the community can help by being informed. Sign up for active shooter training, report suspicious behavior and activity, be aware of surroundings at all times including exits, and make a plan in advance with families and coworkers.
 
During an active shooter situation, practice the Run, Hide, or Fight initiative:
Ø  Run and escape, if possible. Leave belongings behind and run in the opposite direction of the shooting, but only if it is safe to do so.
Ø  Hide, if escape is not possible or safe to do so. Get out of the shooter’s view and stay quiet, locking or blocking the door if possible.
Ø  Fight as an absolute last resort. Commit to your actions and act as aggressively as possible against the shooter.
 
To learn more about active shooter preparedness and reporting suspicious behavior, visit:  
Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or contact the MRFC online at https://mlrin.org/via email at teammrfc@mlrin.org or call (671) 475-0400.
  
For more information, contact GHS/OCD Public Information Officer, Jenna G. Blas at (671) 478-0208 or via email at jenna.g.blas@ghs.guam.gov
 
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