Fayette County Head Start/Early Head Start holds Active Shooter Training

*Pictured are Debbie Parshall-Transportation Manager, Trooper Gagliardi, Trooper Barnhart, and Ericka Thomas-Director of Head Start/Early Head Start

On Monday, November 28, 2022, Head Start/Early Head Start of Fayette County participated in an Active Shooter Training. Trooper Rocco Gagliardi and Trooper Kaylee Barnhart shared a PowerPoint presentation with vital information regarding active shooter situations. Trooper Gagliardi provided the U.S. Department of Homeland Security definition of an active shooter as: “…an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill persons in a confined and populated area.” In most cases, active shooters use firearms with no apparent pattern or method to select their victims. Trooper Gagliardi stated in some cases other types of weapons could be used such as knives. The following guidance was provided for actions during an active shooter incident:

• Call 911.

Remain calm and when possible to do so, provide the following:

• Name and physical address of location
• Estimated number of employees, students, etc.
• Description of and the number of shooters
• What type of weapon(s) is being used – long gun, hand gun, other
• Victims and injuries, if known
• Upon arrival of law enforcement:
• Keep hands visible at all times
• Listen to commands/follow instructions
• Do not approach or attempt to grab officers
• Avoid quick movements
• Remain calm
• Attempt to control yelling and screaming

Trooper Gagliardi also reviewed the RUN, HIDE, FIGHT method for survival. The key elements are as follows:

• RUN- know your escape routes. Do not gather your personal belongings, and leave regardless of what others do.
• HIDE- turn off lights, lock doors, barricade, stay out of active shooter’s view, and put your cell phone on silent.
• FIGHT- be prepared to use sudden aggressive and violent actions against shooter, yell, scream, and be strong-minded.

This training provided excellent tips on how to handle yourself in the event of an active shooter in your facility. We at Head Start/Early Head Start would like to thank Trooper Gagliardi and Trooper Barnhart for coming and speaking to our staff.