Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD) is a training program designed to help individuals and organizations prepare for active shooter situations. The program emphasizes a proactive approach to survival, rather than relying solely on the response of law enforcement. The ADD program teaches people to be aware of their surroundings, how to quickly assess the situation, and how to take action to protect themselves and others.
Avoid
The first step in the ADD program is to avoid an active shooter situation altogether. This means being aware of your surroundings and identifying potential threats. Some of the ways you can avoid a dangerous situation include:
- Being aware of your surroundings and knowing the quickest way out of a building or area
- Reporting suspicious behavior or activity to the appropriate authorities
- Following your organization’s safety procedures and protocols
Deny
If avoiding the situation is not possible, the next step is to deny the shooter access to your location. This means taking steps to secure your immediate environment and preventing the shooter from entering. Some of the ways you can deny access include:
- Locking doors and windows
- Barricading doors with heavy objects
- Turning off lights and remaining quiet to avoid drawing attention to your location
Defend
If avoidance and denial are not possible, the final step is to defend yourself and others. This means being prepared to fight back against the shooter if necessary. Some of the ways you can defend yourself and others include:
- Using improvised weapons, such as chairs or fire extinguishers, to fend off the shooter
- Working together with others to overpower the shooter
- Remaining calm and focused, and taking decisive action to protect yourself and others
Conclusion
The ADD program is designed to help individuals and organizations prepare for active shooter situations by emphasizing a proactive approach to survival. By following the steps outlined in the program, individuals can increase their chances of avoiding an active shooter situation altogether, or denying the shooter access to their location. If necessary, individuals can also take steps to defend themselves and others against the shooter. By being prepared and knowing what to do in an active shooter situation, individuals can help to reduce the risk of injury or loss of life.
Yod Training Group teaches a version of ADD called Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE). This training is offered for free to the public. Please contact us to schedule training for your church, community group, or other organization or to ask about upcoming public training near you.