Situational Awareness 101: An Important Step in Helping to Prevent Active Shooter Incidents

Active shooter incidents are often described as unpredictable and fast-moving — but they are not always entirely without warning. Many tragedies are preceded by observable behaviors or environmental cues that, if recognized early, may allow intervention before violence erupts. This is where situational awareness comes in. Understanding your surroundings, staying alert to warning signs, and knowing when to act are essential skills for helping to prevent workplace violence and active shooter incidents.

What Is Situational Awareness?

Situational awareness is the ability to perceive, understand, and respond to what’s happening around you. It goes beyond noticing your environment — it’s about interpreting behaviors, spotting potential risks, and making informed decisions to stay safe. In the context of workplace violence prevention, situational awareness empowers employees to identify red flags before they escalate into a crisis.

Why Situational Awareness Matters

When it comes to active shooter incidents, seconds can mean the difference between life and death. Early recognition of troubling behavior provides an opportunity for intervention before violence occurs. Situational awareness training helps employees feel more confident, reduces fear in uncertain situations, and strengthens overall workplace safety culture.

Recognizing Warning Signs of Workplace Violence

Employees who commit acts of workplace violence often exhibit warning signs in the days, weeks, or even months leading to an incident. Examples include:

- Verbal threats or talk of violence
- Obsessive interest in weapons
- Sudden changes in behavior or performance
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Expressions of extreme anger, hopelessness, or paranoia
- Fascination with past shootings or violent events

Training staff to recognize and report these warning signs can allow organizations to intervene early, whether through HR, security, or law enforcement support.

How to Improve Situational Awareness

Situational awareness is a skill that can be practiced and strengthened. Here are practical ways employees can build awareness in daily work environments:

- Stay present and alert: Avoid distractions like headphones or excessive phone use in public or workplace settings.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong or out of place, don’t ignore it.
- Observe patterns: Pay attention to changes in behavior, tone, or interactions among coworkers.
- Know your environment: Identify exits, safe hiding spots, and communication channels in advance.
- Report concerns promptly: Share any red flags with supervisors, HR, or designated safety personnel.

The Role of Situational Awareness Training

Formal situational awareness training programs, like those included in AVIRT, teach employees how to observe effectively, interpret warning signs, and take action. Through scenario-based exercises, participants learn how to respond with confidence rather than panic. This proactive mindset not only improves safety during potential active shooter events but also enhances overall vigilance in the workplace.

A Proactive Step Toward Prevention

Preventing workplace violence requires more than emergency response plans — it begins with awareness. By training employees to recognize warning signs and intervene early, organizations can reduce risks and create a culture of safety. Situational awareness is not just a skill for law enforcement or security teams; it’s a vital ability that everyone in the workplace can develop. With AVIRT training, employees gain the tools they need to spot danger before it escalates and take action to protect themselves and others.