Preparing for the Worst - Active Shooter Training in Kane County

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Kane County Office of Emergency Management (KCOEM) recently hosted an active shooter training for county employees to ensure everyone knows how to respond if such an event occurs. Their key message was clear: active shooter situations are more likely to happen than not, and preparation can save lives. These incidents can happen anywhere — at movies, parades, concerts, churches, or political rallies — so staying alert is critical.

To survive, participants were urged to overcome common barriers like denial, confusion, and lack of safety awareness. Key psychological tools discussed included situational awareness, survival mindset, and recognizing normalcy bias (thinking “this can't be happening").

Employees were trained on the three critical responses: evacuate, lockdown, and counter. Tips included running in zig-zags, locking and barricading doors, being silent, and—if necessary—fighting back with full force.

KCOEM stressed the importance of hands-on training, offered in small groups of 15. These sessions simulate real scenarios and help participants avoid freezing under pressure. Final takeaways: don't deny what's happening, treat strange sounds as threats, always look for exits and cover, and remember—being prepared is your best defense.​