BROOKLYN, N.Y.—Inspired by an article that appeared in CUToday.info, Bay Ridge FCU reports it has created new policies and procedures on how to respond in the event of an active shooter in the workplace.
The new policy is being introduced at the same time more than 50 people were shot and killed at a night club in Orlando.
“As events last year in Paris, San Bernardino and recently in Orlando have shown us, we can no longer bind ourselves to the idea ‘It can’t happen here,’” Bay Ridge said in a statement. “These tragic events have forced us to be prepared for unthinkable situations. Could the unthinkable occur here? The reality is, it can happen anywhere.”
The credit union noted that preparing for such unfortunate and traumatic events requires a different approach, and that is preparation, planning and training for the “What if…” scenario. BRCU said it has developed procedures, installed and tested an alert system, as well as extensively trained employees, so they know what to do during and after an “unthinkable situation.”
“Terrorist or active situations are very frightening because they are beyond our control,” said EVP Anthony Grigos. “However, it is within our control to acknowledge these situations can occur at our credit union and to employees, determine how we will respond to these situations; and ensure our employees are trained to respond in a calm, self-assured, and controlled manner, limiting the damage these situations can cause.”