Recently, I was invited to participate in an Active Shooter Preparedness Training hosted by Iron Fish Distillery and led by Deputy Michael Makowski of the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office. It sparked an important question we hear often:
“Is this really something businesses in Northern Michigan need to think about?”
Unfortunately, the answer in 2025 is yes.
While incidents remain rare, active shooter and workplace violence risks are now part of broader business continuity and risk management planning nationwide—not because of fear, but because preparedness saves lives, reduces chaos, and supports faster recovery.
This article is meant to help business owners understand the risk, prepare responsibly, and protect their people.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines an active shooter as:
“An individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area.”
Most active shooter incidents unfold quickly—often within 10 to 15 minutes, sometimes before law enforcement can arrive. That reality makes employee awareness, planning, and training critical.
Even if operations eventually resume, the impact of an active shooter or workplace violence incident can be long-lasting:
Employee trauma and mental health challenges
Extended business interruption
Reputational damage
Legal and liability exposure
Complicated insurance and claims processes
Preparedness isn’t about expecting the worst—it’s about reducing risk, improving response, and supporting recovery.
The foundation of preparedness is a well-designed Emergency Action Plan (EAP), created with input from leadership, HR, facilities management, and local first responders.
An effective EAP should clearly outline:
How emergencies are reported
Evacuation routes and procedures
Designated safe areas or shelter locations
Roles and responsibilities during an emergency
Emergency contact lists
Nearby hospital locations
Internal and external notification systems
Plans should be reviewed annually and updated as teams, layouts, or operations change.
The most effective training is practical, realistic, and coordinated with local law enforcement. Modern training often includes:
Recognizing gunshots and abnormal behavior
Decision-making under stress
When to evacuate, hide, or act as a last resort
How to communicate with 911
What to expect when law enforcement arrives
Building a “survival mindset” without panic
Tabletop exercises, walkthroughs, and scenario-based discussions are often more effective—and less disruptive—than full simulations.
HR plays a key role in prevention and recovery by:
Supporting background screening processes
Creating systems to report concerning behavior
Offering access to employee assistance programs (EAPs)
Supporting post-incident counseling and communication
Facility leaders can reduce risk through:
Access controls and visitor management
Clearly posted evacuation routes
Crisis kits (radios, floor plans, contact lists, first-aid supplies)
Coordination with local responders for site familiarity
Employees should be trained on the widely accepted Run. Hide. Fight. framework—adapted to modern guidance and emphasized as last-resort decision-making.
Have an exit plan
Leave belongings behind
Help others if possible
Follow law enforcement instructions
Lock and barricade doors
Stay out of sight
Silence phones
Remain quiet
Act decisively if escape is impossible
Use available objects to disrupt the attacker
Commit fully to your actions
Officers’ first priority is stopping the threat. Employees should be trained to:
Remain calm
Keep hands visible
Follow commands immediately
Avoid sudden movements
Share critical information when asked
Medical assistance and victim support follow once the scene is secured.
Preparedness doesn’t end when the incident does. Businesses should plan for:
Employee support and counseling
Clear internal and external communication
Claims documentation and insurance coordination
Gradual return-to-work strategies
This is where risk advisors and insurance partners play a critical role—helping businesses navigate coverage, claims, and recovery planning.
This is heavy subject matter—but being prepared is an act of care, not fear.
Businesses can start today by:
Reviewing emergency plans
Engaging local law enforcement
Talking openly with leadership teams
Partnering with insurance professionals who understand evolving risk
Deputy Makowski and law enforcement leaders across our region consistently encourage businesses to be proactive, informed, and prepared.
If you’d like resources, guidance, or help evaluating how workplace violence and crisis response fit into your broader risk strategy, our team at Top O’ Michigan Insurance is here to help.
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Alpena
514 N Ripley Blvd
Alpena, MI 49707
Local: (989) 356-6133
Hillman
150 State St
Hillman, MI 49746
Local: (989) 742-4574
Traverse City
3183 Logan Valley Rd
Traverse City, MI 49684
Local: (231) 947-1164
Iron River
117 W Genesee St, Ste 1
Iron River, MI 49935
Local: (906) 265-5137
Petoskey
1170 Bay View Rd, Ste B
Petoskey, MI 49770
Local: (231) 347-4610
Gaylord
440 W Main St, Ste F
Gaylord, MI 49735-1401
Local: (989) 705-8664
Oscoda
PO Box 39
Oscoda, MI 48750-0039
Local: (989) 739-1461
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