Tragic events like the one that took place in this Aurora, IL warehouse facility necessitate specific training and preparation to minimize the risk to employees. In the unfortunate event of an active shooter incident, warehouse employees face distinct challenges due to the open and expansive layout of their work environment. Unlike a commercial office setting with multiple rooms and barriers, warehouses are typically characterized by large spaces filled with racks, equipment, and vehicles, which require specific strategies for effective responses to attacks. Additionally, the sounds associated with an attack can be masked by noise typical to these environments.
Here are some best practices tailored to the unique aspects of a warehouse during an active shooter situation, along with real-world examples and insights from authoritative sources.

1. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Constant vigilance, also known as ‘situational awareness’, is crucial in a warehouse setting, allowing employees to react quickly in the face of a threat.
Employees should familiarize themselves with the layout of the warehouse, including locations of exits and any potential hiding spots.
Since the ordinary sounds common to these environments can often be loud, employees must remain aware of unusual sounds like yelling, alarms, and/or the crack or boom associated with indoor gunfire. This can be further complicated by employees who wear hearing protection, requiring them to rely on visual cues to remain aware.
Making regular efforts to review these elements will effectively normalize situational awareness and improve the ability to recall important information in a crisis.
“Being aware of your environment and understanding escape routes can be life-saving in a crisis.”
— National Safety Council.
2. Run, Hide, Fight: Tailored for Warehouses
The “Run, Hide, Fight” protocol remains a fundamental approach, but its application differs significantly in a warehouse.
In the event of an attack, employees’ first objective should be to run to the nearest exit – so long as they know where the shooter is and will not inadvertently run into the line of fire. If safe evacuation is possible, they should quickly move towards those exits. Upon exiting they should continue running to a predetermined meeting location.
If evacuation isn’t possible, employees should find ways to hide by finding a lockable room or a room or space that can allow for barricading. In a warehouse, this might mean pushing heavy items against doors or using available equipment to block entry points. Additionally, creating barriers with stock or equipment can provide cover. While hiding behind objects that are dense enough to stop a bullet is optimal, remaining out of the line of sight will diminish the likelihood of being targeted. Given the nature of warehouse operations, utilizing the space—hiding behind shelving units or underneath them—can provide concealment.
If employees find themselves face-to-face with the shooter and are in striking or throwing distance, they should improvise weapons using any object at hand that can injure or distract.
Keep in mind that run-hide-fight is not linear. Employees may find themselves running to a hiding place, then running again when able. Each attack is unique and fluid, requiring quick thinking and action to improve the likelihood of escaping harm.
“When escape is not an option, barricading yourself with available materials can buy critical time.”
— FBI Active Shooter Resources
3. Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is vital in a warehouse environment. Employees should utilize communication devices, such as two-way radios, loudspeakers, or simply yelling to alert their coworkers about the situation. If possible, establishing a silent alert system can notify others without attracting the shooter’s attention.
Real-World Example
During the 2017 shooting at a warehouse in Orlando, Florida, workers communicated via their company radios to alert each other to the unfolding situation, allowing for a coordinated evacuation.
4. Plan for Law Enforcement Arrival
Employees should prepare for law enforcement’s arrival, understanding that their primary goal is to neutralize the threat. It’s essential to keep hands visible and follow officers’ instructions promptly to avoid any misinterpretations that could escalate the situation.
Real-World Example
During the Las Vegas shooting in 2017, employees at nearby venues were instructed on how to safely interact with law enforcement once they arrived, highlighting the importance of clear communication and visible compliance.

5. Participate in Training and Drills
Regular training and drills are essential for ensuring warehouse employees are prepared for an active shooter incident. Simulated exercises can help employees practice the “Run, Hide, Fight” protocol, as can e-learning tailored specifically for the warehouse environment.
Real-World Example
Many companies, such as Amazon, conduct routine active shooter drills to prepare employees for emergencies, resulting in improved readiness and response.
Conclusion
While active shooter incidents are rare, the potential for such events necessitates preparation and awareness, especially in warehouse environments characterized by open spaces. By understanding how to implement the “Run, Hide, Fight” strategy tailored to their specific surroundings, maintaining situational awareness, and participating in training drills and online learning, warehouse employees can significantly enhance their safety and preparedness during an emergency.
The Power of Preparedness provides critical training to mitigate risk and save lives. Our company-wide online training is uniquely designed for more than a dozen industries and includes situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, Run-Hide-Fight active shooter preparedness and response, interacting with the homeless, shoplifting management, and more. Our training is available in multiple languages and can be fully customized for the needs of various organizations. We also offer a one-stop compliance solution to help businesses in California and New York comply with the workplace violence prevention laws in those states. Contact us to learn more.