Recognizing Warning Signs of Potential Active Shooters: A Guide to Prevention and Awareness

Introduction Active shooter incidents represent a profound threat to public safety, occurring in diverse settings such as schools, workplaces, and public gatherings. Defined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area, these events often unfold rapidly and unpredictably. …

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Recognizing Warning Signs of Potential Active Shooters: A Guide to Prevention and Awareness

Introduction Active shooter incidents represent a profound threat to public safety, occurring in diverse settings such as schools, workplaces, and public gatherings. Defined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area, these events often unfold rapidly and unpredictably. …

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Has Your School Conducted a Family Reunification Drill? The Importance of Practice and Lessons Learned

In the realm of school safety, preparing for emergencies extends beyond evacuation and lockdown procedures. A critical yet often overlooked component is the family reunification process, which ensures students are safely reunited with their parents or guardians following a crisis. Family reunification drills are essential exercises that simulate the logistics of reuniting students with their…

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The Importance of Situational Awareness in Protecting Yourself and Your Family During Critical Incidents

In an increasingly unpredictable world, the ability to anticipate and respond to potential threats is paramount for personal and familial safety. Situational awareness, a concept rooted in military and law enforcement training, refers to the perception of environmental elements, comprehension of their meaning, and projection of their future status. This cognitive process enables individuals to…

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Combat Veterans and Active Shooters: Examining the Data and Paths Forward Introduction

In recent years, high-profile mass shootings have sparked intense debates about the role of military service in such tragedies. Incidents like the Lewiston, Maine shooting in 2023, where the perpetrator was an Army Reserve veteran, have raised questions about whether combat veterans or military veterans are disproportionately involved in active shooter events (CBS News, 2023).…

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Recent Active Attacks in the United States: A Summary of Incidents in Traverse City, Reno, and Midtown Manhattan

In the past five days, from July 24 to July 28, 2025, the United States has witnessed three significant active attacks in diverse locations: a retail store in Traverse City, Michigan; a casino in Reno, Nevada; and an office building in Midtown Manhattan, New York. These incidents, characterized by sudden violence against civilians, underscore the…

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The Necessity of Critical Incident Training for Houses of Worship: Focusing on Active Shooter Preparedness

Introduction Houses of worship, including churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples, serve as sanctuaries for spiritual reflection, community gathering, and support. However, these venues are increasingly vulnerable to critical incidents, particularly active shooter events, due to their open and welcoming nature. This article examines the need for specialized training in critical incident response, with an emphasis…

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