Do You Know A.L.I.C.E ?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

In light of the recent events of shootings I thought it is invaluable to pass on this training. Please, if you are able to take a one hour course or seminar in A.L.I.C.E Training do so.

If not, I believe I can give you some ideas in how to handle the situation right here.

What is A.L.I.C.E?

ALICE is a crisis training program that stands for:

• Alert
• Lockdown
• Information
• Counter
• Evacuation

It is a form of safety preparedness that everyone should know. 

During the Cold War years many of us were taught to get under the desk.  But, in recent years, with the armed shooter, so many are found shot under the desk.  We have to rethink our reactions to situations like these.   I hope you all read these but never have to be tested.

Thank you, Kent State University for designing ALICE. May it be taught and shared everywhere.

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ALICE

"ALICE" is an acronym for 5 steps you can utilize in order to increase your chances of surviving a surprise attack by an Active Shooter. It is important to remember that the "ALICE" response does not follow a set of actions you "shall, must, will" do when confronted with an Active Shooter. Your survival is paramount in this situation. Deal with known information and don't worry about unknowns. You may use only 1 or 2 parts of the response plan or you may have to utilize all 5. In this type of incident, your perception is the reality. You will be deciding the appropriate action to take.

1)      Alert- Can be anything.

• Gunfire
• Witness
• PA Announcement
• Phone alert

2)      Lockdown- This is a semi-secure starting point from which you will make survival decisions. If you decide not to evacuate, secure the room.

• Lock the door.
• Cover any windows in the door if possible
• Tie down the door, if possible, using belts, purse straps, shoe laces, etc.
• Barricade the door with anything available (desks, chairs, etc.)
• Look for alternate escape routes (windows, other doors)
• Call 911
• Move out of the doorway in case gunfire comes through
• Silence or place cell phones on vibrate
• Once secured, do not open the door for anyone. Police will enter the room when the situation is over.
• Gather weapons (coffee cups, chairs, books, pens, etc.) and mentally prepare to defend yourself or others.
• Put yourself in position to surprise the active shooter should they enter the room.                       

3)      Inform- Using any means necessary to pass on real time information.

• Given in plain language
• Can be derived from 911 calls, video surveillance, etc.
• Who, what, where, when and how information
• Can be used by people in the area or who may come into it to make common sense decisions
• Can be given by “Flash Alerts”, PA Announcements or Police Radio speakers

4)      Counter- This is the use of simple, proactive techniques should you be confronted by the Active Shooter.

• Anything can be a weapon
• Throws things at the shooters head to disrupt their aim
• Create as much noise as possible
• Attack in a group (swarm)
• Grab the shooters limbs and head and take them to the ground and hold them there
• Fight dirty-bite, kick, scratch, gouge eyes, etc.
• Run around the room and create chaos
• If you have control of the shooter call 911 and tell the police where you are and listen to their commands when officers arrive on scene.

5)      Evacuate- Remove yourself from the danger zone as quickly as possible.

• Decide if you can safely evacuate
• Run in a zigzag pattern as fast as you can
• Do not stop running until you are far away from the area
• Bring something to throw with you in case you would encounter the Active Shooter
• Consider if the fall from a window will kill you
• Break out windows and attempt to quickly clear glass from the frame
• Consider using belts, clothing or other items as an improvised rope to shorten the distance you would fall
• Hang by your hands from the window ledge to shorten your drop
• Attempt to drop into shrubs, mulch or grass to lessen the chance of injury
• Do not attempt to drive from the area

Secondary Issues

• Responding Police will have their weapons drawn and ready for use. They do not know exactly who the shooter is and will probably point weapons at you. Remain calm and follow any directions they may give you. You may be asked questions, patted down, and given orders to exit.
• Responding Police are there to stop the Active Shooter as soon as possible. They will bypass injured people and will not help you escape. Only after the shooter is stopped will they begin to provide other assistance.
• If you come into possession of a weapon, do NOT carry or brandish it! Police may think you are the Active Shooter. If possible, put it in a trashcan and carry it with you. If you come across Police, calmly tell them what you are carrying and why. Follow their commands.
• Be prepared to provide first aid. Think outside the box. Tampons and feminine napkins can be used to stop blood loss. Shoes laces and belts can be used to secure tourniquets. Weighted shoes can be tied around a person’s head to immobilize it. Remember it may be several hours until can safely move an injured person. The actions you take immediately to treat them may save their life.
• If you are in lockdown for a long period of time, give consideration to issues such as bathroom use, keeping people calm, etc.
• Discuss before hand with people in your office or classes where you will meet up should you have to evacuate and make it a place easily accessible and far away from the scene.
• Talk to your students and co-workers before hand to know if they have any special skills. Consider strategic placement of these people in a classroom or office setting. You may have current or ex-military personnel, medically trained persons, or even people trained in martial arts that can provide assistance in this type of incident.
• Consider setting up classrooms and offices to make it harder for an Active Shooter to enter and acquire targets.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

My personal favorite is to Throw things at the shooter. The more who attack back and not get under that desk in that instant can be a lifesaver. If for one second it throws off the aim.  You can buy yourself one second and it can matter the most. 

Of course, get out first, but when faced with no choice--ROLL at him.

Not all of us carry guns. 

• Gather weapons (coffee cups, chairs, books, pens, etc.) and mentally prepare to defend yourself or others.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

But some of us do carry and in the right situation can and should fight back - legal concealed carry would not permit me to carry in a school.  All of your tips would be welcome in a time of crisis and we should know them.  Thanks for sharing.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I found, my A.L.I.C.E Training much more invaluable than my concealed carry. This is why I posted.

I agree. Jane, as you know, I do have my concealed carry permit, but I do not carry. I also work at a school, thus, not permitting me to do so anyway. So, I have to know what to do.

This is a change of thought from what we have previously been taught.  The old Cold War, get under the desk, theory has now been known as the death to many. 

There are many other things, those who do not carry, can do.   So many other things.  Learn them too.

[Linda and Murphy]

Thanks, Joanne. Great info.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Each year, at my school, we practiced "shelter in place".  I ALWAYS took the practice seriously, making sure my students did too.  Being prepared can save lives!!!    

[Anna and Achilles]

Being a kindergarten teacher myself this horrific event hit me very hard. All weekend long I have been thinking about my sweetie pies.I keep thinking of how I would do in this situation. I know I would put my life on the line for each and every one of them!  We do practice lock down drills twice monthly. Some of the other information was very helpful. I hadn't though of some of the ideas. Thanks so much for sharing.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Anna, I'm so grateful you are teaching our little ones, Anna. You have a generous and loving heart. 

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

We have had this discussion when we had a police officer come talk to us at the community college where I work.  For almost all the classrooms we teach in there is no way for professors to lock the doors to their classrooms.  Often the classrooms only have one entrance/exit, and seldom have windows that would be large enough to climb out of.  I guess our only option would be to try to barricade the doors and/or fight back.  Very scary indeed.

In fact, a few weeks ago an irate lady walked into my classroom demanding information about her daughter (who is not one of my students).  Thankfully she was just confused and needed some direction to the correct place to seek information... it was a little unnerving nonetheless.   

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Great information. Thank you for sharing.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks for sharing.  Many of us know what to do or think we do in general, but your information was a bit more detailed with helpful tips.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you for posting this, Joanne. I'm coping it and putting it someplace that I can re-read it and hopefully remember it should the information ever be needed. 

[Anna and Achilles]

Joanne, made a copy of this for all my teacher friends. Thanks again!