3 min read

Active Shooter Epidemic: Strategies For Crisis Communication

By Gibson on Jul 29, 2014 6:30:00 AM

The FBI defines an active shooter as “an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area.” Unfortunately, we have become all too familiar with active shooter incidents in recent years, especially in schools.

According to “The State of School Safety in America” report by SchoolReach, most school administrators surveyed felt well prepared to handle emergency communications with parents, but very few said they felt very prepared in regards to crisis communications, especially with the media. The first priority in a severe crisis, such as an active shooter situation, is ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff. But crisis communication becomes key once the individuals are safe. 

Topics: Risk Management Schools
2 min read

Reporting Suspicious Behavior Can Prevent Tragedy

By Gibson on Jul 23, 2014 6:30:00 AM

Active shooter events can occur anywhere. No school or business is immune. But there are steps we can take to help prevent violent attacks.

In our “Can You Spot A Leak?” blog post we explained how research has suggested that there are leaks in the majority of active shooter cases. This means that the person(s) planning the violence communicate it in some form prior to the event. Monitoring, identifying, and responding to leaks can help prevent the violence.

Similarly, identifying and reporting suspicious behaviors and activities is critical to prevention. Individuals do not generally just “snap” and become violent. Over time they tend to display indicators of potentially violent behavior. With early recognition, these behaviors can often be treated or managed. We can better educate ourselves on what these behaviors look like in order to prevent active shooter incidents or other violent situations.

Topics: Risk Management Schools
3 min read

Lasting Effects Of The Active Shooter Epidemic

By Gibson on Jul 9, 2014 6:30:00 AM

For most of us, an active shooter incident is over as soon as the next news cycle begins. We hear the basics, as well as a bit about the shooter and his—almost never her—motivations. But other than with the most severe situations, we quickly move on with our lives.

For communities and schools that experience an active shooter event, moving on isn’t so easy. The incident itself may be over quickly—the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut lasted just five minutes—but its effects are long lasting. And they are both personal and widespread.

Topics: Risk Management Schools
2 min read

Can You Spot A Leak?

By Gibson on Jun 4, 2014 2:30:00 AM

It seems like every week the news is reporting another active shooter incident; these incidents have truly become an epidemic. In the past few years we’ve seen schools, universities; movie theaters, military bases, and businesses face threats, scares and shootings. There are two ways to approach these active shooting situations: 1) Prevention and 2) Damage Control.

As a law enforcement officer, I spent a lot of time focused on damage control. However, as a Risk Advisor I would say that although we absolutely have to be able to respond if an active shooting were to occur, we would be much better served if we were able to recognize and prevent the shooting before it happens.

Topics: Commercial Insurance Risk Management Schools Workers' Compensation
2 min read

Protecting Your Child's Health This Summer

By Gibson on May 28, 2014 2:30:00 AM

Summer is right around the corner, and it’s time to put away the coats and bring out shorts and swim suits. Children all the way from pre-school to high school will soon be released from yet another school year, with a few months of freedom until the fall semester. The summer months are a great time to play sports, go the beach, or ride a bike around the neighborhood. Parents love to see their kids outside having a good time, but when it comes to playing outside…

“Just one more level!” or “My favorite show is on!”

Topics: Schools Employee Benefits Health Risk Management Personal Insurance & Risk Management
2 min read

Private School Insurance

By Gibson on May 14, 2014 4:30:00 AM

Topics: Commercial Insurance Risk Management Schools
2 min read

Securing a School Front Entrance

By Gibson on May 7, 2014 4:33:00 AM

In January 2014, there were 11 school shootings in 19 days. In addition, the number of threats and scares are on the rise. By implementing these 11 strategies, you will help deter and respond to an unwanted intruder.

Topics: Risk Management Schools
3 min read

7 Lessons Learned From Sandy Hook

By Gibson on Apr 23, 2014 4:00:00 AM

The reason I left the Indiana State Police to become a Risk Advisor at Gibson was in large part due to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. As a tribute to the lives lost, I’d like to share a few of the lessons learned. Included are the highlights from an article featured in Campus Safety Newsletter, 7 Lessons Learned from Sandy Hook. The article is very well-written and provides important insights based on the summary report of the incident.

I’ll give a brief warning that some of the content of this post is hard to read given the tragedy of the situation. However, I urge you to push past the discomfort in order to understand how to provide impact should you be confronted by an active shooter situation.

1. Actions by school personnel saved lives

Topics: Risk Management Schools