In today’s world of evolving threats, we need safety protocols that are as dynamic as the threat itself might be. Enter the “run, hide, fight” response during active shooter situations. Joffe Advisory Board Member and Former FBI Agent, Kate Schweit will focus on “run, hide, fight” during this month’s webinar to discuss the importance of these types of protocols to make your events safer.
On a “dark day,” (a term we use to describe days without scheduled events) our typical emergency action plan is straightforward and the resolution process is significantly faster. The question of whether people have left the premises is easier to address, as the number of individuals to account for is significantly lower. (Though, notably, there aren't always the same command center resources for people tracking - so if you read that and thought "Wait, our dark days are harder than our event days, we should talk!").
The scenario changes dramatically on event days, with accountability expanding beyond venue staff to include artists and their teams, vendors, seasonal staff, and potentially, tens of thousands of guests.
The punchline here is unsettling but true: we might not always know a perfect list of who we need to account for. We invite you to consider the following questions as you learn more about “run, hide, fight” in the context of events:
Do emergency action plans include detailed accountability measures on both “dark days” and event days?
How strong are partnerships with ticket providers, security, and other event partners and vendors when it comes to communication and information sharing?
If you activate a protocol, how sure are you that everyone will actuallyimplement it?
Is technology in place to track attendance and identify individuals in the event of an emergency?
Do drills and safety training include attendance and accountability across event types?
Are we committed to continuous improvement and learning as new situations arise at our own events and public newsworthy events?
I encourage you to share your insights, challenges, and successes with the broader community of event safety professionals. Together, through open dialogue and shared strategies, we can set new a standard for safety.
In a new blog post, Chris Joffe shares his perspective on Alaska Airlines' response to the unexpected faulty door plug incident that caused an emergency landing for Flight 1282 last month. In his analysis, he looks at what the company’s leadership did right when it comes to public communication, and what lessons we can apply to our crisis communication plans.
We provide medical professionals to THOUSANDS of events across the country
Disney Half-Marathon
Joffe Responders helped ensure a magical and secure Disney Half-Marathon in Los Angeles, California. Their expertise in event safety, alongside close collaboration with organizers, provided seamless medical support, allowing runners and spectators to enjoy an unforgettable Disney experience.
Junior Theater Festival
At the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, Joffe Responders were on hand to provide medical care for participants and audience members alike. It was a pleasure to be part of the team that made this three-day event a successful celebration of theatrical excellence among youth.
Capitol Clash
At the Capitol Clash, a premier youth fencing tournament in Washington, DC, Joffe Responders were proud to ensure the safety and well-being of all young athletes and their families. Our team’s presence contributed to the smooth execution of this competitive event, making it a memorable weekend for the fencing community.
Quincy Cherry III is a highly skilled EMT and a valued member of Joffe’s Event Safety team. Quincy grew up in many places along the East Coast and now calls Atlanta, Georgia home. An esteemed graduate of Emory University and former Dekalb County firefighter, Quincy’s career demonstrates his commitment to making the community safer.
Outside of work, Quincy’s passions include physical fitness and indulging in his love for the great outdoors and culinary arts. In addition to finding new national parks to explore or trying new recipes, Quincy is always looking for new ways to grow and expand his knowledge and skills.
We're so glad to have Quincy a part of the Joffe responder team!
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Save the Date: February 26th - The Command Pod Webinar
Join us for an interview with esteemed guest Kate Schweit, mass shooting expert and creator of the FBI’s Active Shooter Program. In this month’s webinar, we will unpack the application of “Run, Hide, Fight” within the context of event venues. Learn how the strategic adoption of these life-saving tactics, when combined with comprehensive training and prevention, can save lives.
In early February, Chris Joffe and Cat Cecere, Joffe's Managing Director of Learning and Management Practice, connected with other industry leaders at the Running USA Industry Conference in Orlando, Florida. Chris is a board member of Running USA and Cat presented on Ensuring Event Safety at Scale: Exploring Solutions for Diverse Race Environments. Cat led a dynamic conversation about how to make races safer and they got to meet event professionals from all across the country.
Discover Joffe’s Event Hub! The Event Hub is your exclusive library and our archive of insightful webinar episodes, featuring renowned experts like:
Dr. Nancy Zarse, Forensic Psychologist
JB Jaso, Assistant Security Manager at Angel Stadium,
Wayne Middleton, Global Vice President, Risk for Momentus Technologies
Gilbert Marroquin, Director of Safety & Security at AEG Worldwide
All Clear! — “a powerful guide for emergency preparedness and crisis response”
Chris’s book has officially been released, and forensic psychologist Dr. Nancy Zarse recently shared this about it: "An impressive addition to the field of school safety and crisis management, All Clear offers invaluable insight and actionable information. With an incredible backstory, Chris Joffe incorporates his personal history with his professional experience to provide a powerful guide for emergency preparedness and crisis response. Written by a true leader in the field; I highly recommend this book."