Scott Air Force Base prepares for active shooter exercise March 3 Published Feb. 24, 2016 By Charley Mills 375th Air Mobility Wing Inspector General SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The 375th Air Mobility Wing Inspector General's office will conduct an active shooter exercise March 3 in and around Air Mobility Command headquarters, Bldg. 1600. Roads near the immediate area may be blocked off to allow emergency responders and vehicles to respond, and for pedestrian safety. In addition, the Shiloh and Belleville gates may close for a period of approximately 15 minutes. The following are some frequently asked questions about active shooter scenarios. Why do we conduct active shooter exercises? We need to prepare personnel and first responders for active shooter events where communication and partnerships between units is critical. Additionally, the goal is to familiarize personnel on how best to respond during an active shooter event. This exercise will test internal unit security procedures and interaction with first responders. By conducting theses type of drills and having the base police, fire and medical units respond, they will work together to stop the shooter, render aid to the victims, and be better prepared for real-life violent incidents that could occur. What is an active shooter? An active shooter can be an individual, a team or a group of individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area. Where do active shooter events occur? No place seems immune. There have been incidents at schools, workplaces, houses of worship, grocery stores, shopping centers, transportation centers and any other place where large groups of people gather. Between 2000 and 2013, FBI records show that 160 Active Shooter incidents occurred in the United States, resulting in 486 individuals killed and another 557 injured. What can you do? First, you have to understand that active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Most active shooter situations are normally over within 10 to 15 minutes. Before law enforcement personnel arrive on scene, be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with the situation. Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers. Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you enter. The general rules are (1) Evacuate (2) Hide out or (3) Take action against the active shooter. The following actions can help Team Scott respond appropriately to an active shooter emergency: In an office or conference room · Stay where you are. · Lock or barricade the door, turn off lights, remain silent. · Without too much noise or commotion, attempt to escape through a window. · When police arrive, keep your hands on your head and follow instructions. In hallways or corridors · Get in a room and secure it. · Don't run through long hallways to get to an exit. In large rooms, auditoriums, gymnasium, or cubicles: · Use an exterior exit if available. · If situation allows, move to a more defendable room. · If you can't relocate, hide and stay silent. In open spaces · Stay alert for possible shooters. · Look for an appropriate cover location. · Move away from the affected area until police arrive. If trapped with the shooter Fight: · Commit to your actions · Only if you are in immediate danger · Should be the last thing the shooter expects--buys time for others Or flight: · Move from cover to cover · Run in a zig-zag if in the open What to expect from security forces · SF is trained to immediately find and neutralize the shooter. · They will not stop to help wounded. · They will be moving fast. · They may be in civilian uniforms or clothing. · They will treat you as a suspect until they verify you're not. To help to help responding SF · Do not run to them or cling to them. · Keep your hands where they can see them. · Give them information on shooter's location, if possible. · Do not leave the assembly area until released. · Only use cell phones to report info about the shooter. Preparation · Look at your building and prepare a plan of action. · Look at your exits. · Look at door locks and furniture in your offices.