MARIETTA, Oh.-(WTAP) Schools, churches and movie theaters: just some of the places hit in recent years by mass shootings.
Now, small businesses are learning how to protect their employees and customers if the unthinkable were to happen.
Mark Warden of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, who appeared Wednesday at the Mid-Ohio Valley Safety Council’s monthly meeting, says small businesses can be as much a target as larger venues where more people gather.
The Chief Deputy says quick thinking-and acting-is key to preventing a major tragedy.
“ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) protocols are normally for those larger businesses where they have security systems in place,” Warden explained. “Where, the heinous act could be taking place in one building, while the people in the other building have no idea what’s going on. So size dictates what you want to do.”
Chief Deputy Warden has discussed active shooter scenarios with schools and other public groups.
The safety council is a program of the Marietta Chamber of Commerce, whose members include area businesses and their employees.
