"Michael Julian has written an excellent book. Practical, detailed, and a potential life saver if you find yourself in the midst of a targeted attack."

Understanding Active Threat Awareness - The First Step to Staying A.L.I.V.E.
In todays world, threats can appear anywhere â€" schools, workplaces, places of worship, or public spaces â€" and they often strike without warning. The key to survival in these situations is not luck or panic-driven reaction; it is awareness.
At A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training, we teach that active threat awareness is your most powerful defense. It is not about living in fear. It is about staying informed, alert, and ready to act when seconds matter.
What Is Active Threat Awareness?
Active threat awareness means maintaining a conscious understanding of your surroundings and recognizing potential signs of danger before violence occurs. It is the foundation of the A.L.I.V.E. Method â€" everything begins with your ability to notice.
Being aware does not mean being paranoid. It means:
-
Knowing where your exits are
-
Observing peoples behavior
-
Recognizing when something does not feel right
-
Trusting your instincts instead of ignoring them
The earlier you detect a possible threat, the more options you have to act decisively and survive.
Why Awareness Saves Lives
Studies show that in many active shooter incidents, warning signs are present beforehand. Changes in behavior, threats, or unusual activity often go unnoticed or unreported.
When people practice situational awareness, they:
-
React faster when danger arises
-
Make better decisions under stress
-
Guide others to safety
-
Avoid panic by having a plan in mind
Even a few seconds of early recognition can make the difference between chaos and survival.
Everyday Awareness Techniques
You do not need to be in law enforcement to develop strong situational awareness. It is a skill anyone can practice daily.
Simple steps to stay aware:
-
Scan your surroundings when entering a room. Identify exits, cover, and escape routes.
-
Observe peoples behavior. Does anyone seem anxious, agitated, or out of place.
-
Limit distractions. Avoid walking while looking at your phone.
-
Trust your intuition. If something feels off, it probably is.
-
Report unusual behavior to proper authorities before it escalates.
These small, conscious habits can drastically improve your ability to act quickly in an emergency.
Awareness in the A.L.I.V.E. Method
The A.L.I.V.E. system stands for:
-
A â€" Assess: Be aware of your surroundings and evaluate potential threats.
-
L â€" Leave: Escape the danger zone if possible.
-
I â€" Impede: Barricade and block entry if escape is not possible.
-
V â€" Violence: Defend yourself with commitment and force if confronted.
-
E â€" Expose: When safe, help first responders by providing clear information.
Awareness drives every other step. You cannot leave or impede a threat you never noticed.
The Importance of Awareness Training
Many organizations and schools still rely only on reaction-based emergency plans. But without awareness training, those plans often fail when panic sets in.
A.L.I.V.E. training builds awareness into your daily mindset. We teach teams how to:
-
Recognize danger cues
-
Maintain calm focus
-
Communicate effectively under pressure
-
Move from frozen to prepared
Stay Aware. Stay Prepared. Stay A.L.I.V.E.
You cannot control when a threat will occur. But you can control how prepared you are to recognize and respond to it. Awareness is the first and most vital line of defense.
Contact Us Today to schedule active threat awareness training for your workplace, school, or organization.
Be alert. Be decisive. Be A.L.I.V.E.
Hear From An A.L.I.V.E. Student Survivor Of The Las Vegas Massacre
"As a retired 32 year law enforcement veteran, with several years of SWAT and tactical experience, I learned some different unique perspectives as it pertains to civilians dealing with active threat situations. Very good class for civilians who may have never experienced reacting to a life and death stressful situation."
- Christopher C.
A.L.I.V.E. STANDS FOR:
Assess
Assess the situation quickly
Leave
Leave the area if you can
Impede
Impede the shooter
Violence
Violence may be necessary
Expose
Expose your position carefully for safety
INDUSTRIES WE SERVE
Corporations
Government
Healthcare
Places of worship
Schools & Universities
Venues
MICHAEL JULIAN
Creator of A.L.I.V.E.
A.L.I.V.E., which stands for Assess, Leave, Impede, Violence, and Expose, was created in 2014 when Michael began teaching his Active Shooter Survival philosophy throughout the United States. His book on the subject, 10 Minutes to Live: Surviving an Active Shooter Using A.L.I.V.E. was published in 2017 and the online version of the A.L.I.V.E. Training Program was launched in 2019 and is now part of the corporate security training program for companies throughout the world.
Why A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter
Survival Training Program?
The A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training Program is a comprehensive training program designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to survive an active shooter incident. Its emphasis on situational awareness and decision-making makes it a practical and effective approach to active shooter situations. By empowering individuals to take proactive measures to protect themselves and others, the program can help prevent tragedies and save lives.


