September is National Preparedness Month, and being vigilant and staying informed of the latest preparedness initiatives is the best way to meet its objective—protecting against a potential threat.

This idea of being proactive is aligned with the “Don’t Wait, Communicate” theme the government is again championing for National Preparedness Month after last year, and how now, more than ever, we communicate with mobile apps.

ETS offers several ways property managers and their teams can empower tenants to be prepared for emergencies. It has a Prepared Property App Package as well as Instant Alert and email notification applications— tools proven to advance safety and security campaigns.

These facilitate seamless and efficient communication, insulating against tragedy. The apps and portal in concert have the capacity to diminish an event’s impact.

Active shooters pose the most imminent threat, so learning active shooter mitigation is paramount to staying safe. Below, brush up on the ways to mentally and physically prepare.

• Have an escape route plan in mind

• Leave belongings behind

• Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow

• Help others escape, if possible

• Do not attempt to move the wounded

• Prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be

• Keep hands visible

• Call 911 when safe

• Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view

• Lock the door or block entry to your hiding place

• Silence your cellphone and remain quiet

• Fight as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger

• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter if you feel capable

Also remember three things:

• The first officers to arrive on scene will not stop to help the injured. Expect rescue teams, which will treat and remove the injured, to follow.

• When law enforcement arrives, drop all items, raise your hands and keep them visible at all times, avoid quick movements, avoid pointing, screaming or yelling, and do not ask questions when evacuating.

• Once you have reached a safe location, you likely will be held in that area by law enforcement until the situation is under control and all witnesses have been identified and questioned. Do not leave the area until law enforcement authorities have instructed you to do so.

For more information on preparedness, click here.

For more on Prepared Property, click here.

For more on the Instant Alert tool, click here.

For more on the Email Notification App, click here.