The reality is that in today's world, active shooter events are always a possibility. Facility managers must be ready to address whatever danger comes their way. Standards such as NFPA 3000 exist to assist in identifying, planning and preparing for these tragic events.
NFPA 3000, from the National Fire Protection Association, is the Standard for an Active Shooter / Hostile Event Response (ASHER) Program. It aids with active shooter preparation and response, as well as recovery efforts after the incident.
To understand NFPA 3000 and what it entails, John Ryan, emergency manager at Augusta University, will present the session “Active Shooter Hostile Event Planning For Facility Managers” at NFMT 2025 in Baltimore from March 25 to 27.
FacilitiesNet: How does NFPA 3000 define “high-risk” or “at-risk” facilities, and what role do facility managers play in identifying them?
John Ryan: Identifying high-risk facilities in the context of ASHER planning is inherently complex. Unlike fire prevention, where risk is often dictated by tangible factors such as flammable material storage, the unpredictable nature of ASHER incidents means that any location could potentially be a target.
However, NFPA 3000 prioritizes mass gathering sites due to their increased vulnerability. Theaters, gymnasiums, stadiums and other venues that regularly accommodate large numbers of people should be focal points for preparedness efforts. Given the challenge of predicting specific targets, an effective strategy is to allocate resources based on potential impact rather than probability.
Facility managers play a critical role in identifying these high-risk areas by assessing the demographics of their occupants and understanding unique vulnerabilities. Their insight into facility usage patterns enables a more informed, data-driven approach to risk mitigation.
FacilitiesNet: What challenges do facility managers face when implementing the ASHER program, and how can they work with first responders and community members to improve emergency preparedness?
Ryan: NFPA 3000 advocates for a community-based approach to ASHER programming, emphasizing interagency coordination over siloed response efforts. A common challenge in implementation is the false sense of preparedness — many organizations assume their existing emergency plans are sufficient until a crisis exposes critical gaps.
Facility managers must proactively engage with first responders, emergency management agencies and community organizations. Establishing relationships before an incident occurs is essential — this includes inviting law enforcement and fire personnel to conduct pre-planning exercises within the facility and participating in Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) and healthcare coalitions.
By integrating facility-level emergency plans with broader community response frameworks, organizations enhance their ability to manage crises effectively, ensuring a cohesive and well-coordinated response when seconds matter most.
FacilitiesNet: What are the key risk assessment and facility preparedness requirements outlined in NFPA 3000 that facility managers should be aware of?
Ryan: A facility’s risk profile is determined by multiple factors, including occupant demographics, evacuation capabilities, internal response protocols and emergency notification systems. Facility managers must conduct comprehensive assessments to identify potential constraints — such as mobility impairments among occupants — and integrate accommodations into emergency response plans.
NFPA 3000 reinforces the importance of situational awareness and staff training, centered on the widely recognized “Run, Hide, Fight” (or “Avoid, Deny, Defend”) methodology. Staff should be well-versed in threat recognition, evacuation procedures and barricading strategies to maximize survivability.
Additional preparedness measures include:
Ultimately, the facility manager serves as the central coordinator for emergency preparedness, bridging the gap between internal stakeholders and external response agencies. By fostering a culture of vigilance, proactive planning and cross-sector collaboration, organizations significantly enhance their resilience against ASHER incidents and other critical emergencies.
To learn more about NFPA 3000 and preparation for active shooter scenarios, be sure to check out Ryan’s session at NFMT 2025. Register for NFMT here.
Jeff Wardon, Jr., is the assistant editor of the facilities market.
