What has been called the "deadliest shooting of this year" emphasizes the need for all organizations to prepare for these tragic scenarios.

The Apalachee High School shooting in Winder, Georgia is one of the 385 mass shootings that have occurred in 2024. There were four people killed, and nine hospitalized for their injuries. When an attack was reported, law enforcement agencies, fire and emergency services personnel were dispatched. Prior to the attack on Wednesday, Sept. 4, the school received a threatening phone call earlier in the day.

This is another tragic example of the danger of active assailants. Schools, and all organizations, need to prepare to react, respond, and recover when the unimaginable happens. According to the 2023 Active Shooter Preparedness Report from Everbridge, it remains the top security threat, and employee and student safety is more of a concern than ever before. The report also highlights the challenge of how to communicate most effectively during the crisis and after the crisis.

The Apalachee High School shooting is a tragic event that could have been much worse if technology wasn't in place to alert first responders what was going on. In a newly adapted safety effort, teachers were equipped with a wearable panic button -- similar in concept to life alert. Apalachee High School teachers and staff were able to communicate with law enforcement so help could come as soon as possible. The school also had doors that locked from the inside, something that is not a standard for all schools. A CNN report revealed a locked door prevented the assailant from entering a classroom.

All schools have to prepare for this scenario, but committing to keep learning and tweaking your strategies can make all the difference when a disaster comes to your doorstep.