JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — According to the FBI, there were 61 active shooter incidents last year, up from 40 in 2020.
The increase in these scary, deadly situations is why the Northeast Florida Safety Council is offering active shooter and threat management training.
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“I have a family, two daughters. I’d love to have some more insight on what to do if there is a situation like this,” training attendee Brad Page said.
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Page said he works in an office and on job sites as an employee for Milton J. Wood Consolidated.
“Due to recent events, safety is a huge issue, especially, unfortunately, active shooter safety,” Page said.
He said he attended Wednesday’s active shooter and threat management training to learn what to do if he finds himself in danger at work.
The council said it’s imperative to plan how to react when facing an active shooter.
“The situation has just gotten so critical now that we understand that all of us need to be thinking about it,” NE FL Safety Council CEO Catherine Sutton said.
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It starts with identifying a potential shooter.
“One of the things is being anti-social,” training instructor Ben McCorkel said.
McCorkel is a certified law enforcement training officer.
He said to look for behaviors such as increased use of alcohol and drugs, depression and withdrawal, severe mood swings and more.
The class also touched on run, hide and fight.
Your first two priorities are to run and hide. McCorkel said you should try to fight the shooter as a last resort.
When law enforcement gets there, remain calm and follow instructions. Make sure your hands are visible and avoid making quick movements, and if you can, give officers a description of the shooter and weapon.
The council will be holding another class in July.
You can contact the council here to learn more.
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