I believe lawyers are at particular risk for an armed intruder. Every
law office should have a specific plan for dealing with armed
intruders. There are three basic steps of action:
- Escape if you can. (Plan designated escape routes)
- Hide under a desk or in a
closet or anywhere you can find.
- If left with no choice, fight back. (Do not beg for your
life!)
The best example of fighting back is the female school board member in
Florida who swung her purse at a gunman intent on shooting the school
board. She was not shot.
(Note: the rules for dealing with a robber are different.)
Your firm should also develop plans for dealing with other emergencies such as fire, storms and
earthquakes.
You can find
detailed guidelines for
dealing with an armed intruder on our website.