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Active assailant incidents are unpredictable, but preparation may help save lives and reduce disruption. We aim to provide practical guidance, planning tips, and insurance insights to help you protect your people, strengthen your organization’s resilience, and recover confidently if a crisis occurs. Whether you’re evaluating vulnerabilities, developing response plans, or reviewing coverage options, our specialists can help guide you in preparing for difficult situations.
Active assailant situations involve individuals attempting to harm or kill people in populated areas. These events unfold quickly, leaving little time to respond. Understanding these incidents is essential for effective preparedness and response.
They often involve firearms or other weapons, targeted aggression, and unpredictability. Victims may experience chaos and panic while trying to escape or hide, as the assailant moves with the intent to cause harm. These events typically last only minutes, so an immediate response is critical.
According to data from an FBI Active Shooter Incidents Report, there were 223 active shooter incidents from 2020 to 2024, highlighting the need for effective resources and training. Awareness and preparation are necessary to help reduce the impact of these events, making it essential to equip yourself with appropriate active assailant resources and tools.
A clear emergency response plan is important to safeguard employees from potential active assailant situations. It should outline protocols, assign roles, and establish communication so everyone knows their responsibilities. Regular reviews help keep the plan current and effective.
Preparedness supports situational awareness. Encouraging employees to stay alert and aware of their surroundings can improve safety. Training staff to recognize threats and report suspicious activity is essential for early detection and can help prevent escalation.
Regular training and drills are recommended. Active shooter drills and workshops simulate emergencies, letting employees practice responses in a controlled setting. These sessions reinforce the plan and help build confidence, so staff are better prepared to respond during a crisis.
It’s important to be prepared to respond effectively during an active assailant incident to help ensure safety and reduce harm.
For employees, best practices include staying aware of surroundings, knowing the nearest exits, and reacting quickly. The 'Run, Hide, Fight' approach guides actions: have an escape route and plan, hide from the shooter’s view if escape isn't possible, and confront the assailant only as a last resort if your life is in immediate danger.
Organizations play a key role by setting clear protocols and training employees to respond. Assigning roles like emergency coordinator and communication officer helps streamline responses and clarify responsibilities. Regular drills and training, supported by active assailant resources, improve preparedness and help staff stay calm and act effectively.
Post-incident recovery is also essential. Providing counseling, mental health support, and community resources helps employees heal. Reviewing the response afterward can identify areas for improvement in the future.
Active assailant coverage, also called active shooter or deadly weapons coverage, is a commercial insurance product that helps organizations manage the risk of premeditated, malicious attacks by assailants who are physically present at an insured location and armed with a weapon. Coverage for threat events, stalking events, and hostage events can be included. It complements standard general liability, Workers Compensation, and property policies by adding protection tailored to these events, combining property and casualty elements.
Typical coverages include:
Coverage can be expanded to include:
Preventative and post-incident services are often available through your carrier.
