"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."
What "Assess" Really Means in the A.L.I.V.E. Method - And How to Do It in Public Spaces
The first step in the A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training method is A – Assess. This isn’t just something you do when a threat appears—it’s something you do before anything happens. Being able to assess your surroundings quickly and accurately can give you the precious seconds needed to survive during an active shooter event.
In public spaces—stores, schools, concerts, workplaces—your awareness is your first line of defense. Learning how to read a room can dramatically increase your odds of staying safe if danger arises.
What Does “Assess” Mean?
To assess means to pay attention on purpose. It’s the practice of taking in your environment, identifying your exits, understanding the flow of people around you, and noticing behaviors that don’t fit.
Assessing isn’t about fear—it’s about being present. It’s about giving your brain enough information to make fast decisions if an emergency occurs.
How to Properly Assess Your Surroundings
Here are simple, practical steps that anyone can begin using immediately:
1. Identify Exits As Soon As You Enter a Space
Whenever you walk into a building, ask yourself:
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Where are the main exits?
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Are there secondary exits (back doors, side doors, service corridors)?
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If I had to leave right now, which direction would I move?
Escape is almost always the safest first option—so knowing your exits ahead of time matters.
2. Take Note of Barriers and Cover
If you can’t escape, you may need to hide or shield yourself. Look for:
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Solid furniture
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Locked rooms
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Thick walls
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Objects that can be moved to block doors
Not all hiding spots provide safety—cover protects, concealment just hides. Know the difference.
3. Scan People, Not Just the Space
Most attackers show signs before acting. This may include:
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Nervous or erratic behavior
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Avoiding eye contact
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Clenched jaw or fists
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Wearing bulky clothing that doesn’t match the weather
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Moving with intention toward an area rather than browsing or mingling
You don’t need to stare—just notice.
4. Set Your Phone Down
Awareness can’t happen if your eyes are on a screen.
If you’re in a parking lot, walking to your car, entering a building, or navigating a crowd—look up.
Small decisions like this can save your life.
5. Trust Your Gut
If something feels “off,” move. Your instincts often notice danger before your conscious mind does.
It’s better to reposition yourself and realize it wasn’t a threat than to ignore your instincts and lose valuable time.
Why “Assess” Comes First in the A.L.I.V.E. Method
The A.L.I.V.E. method is:
A – Assess
L – Leave
I – Impede
V – Violence (as a last resort)
E – Expose
Without assessment, none of the other steps are possible.
You can’t leave if you don’t know where to go.
You can’t impede if you don’t know where you are.
And you can’t survive if you don’t notice the threat until it’s too late.
Assessing gives you options. Options give you time. And time saves lives.
Learn How to Stay Aware and Ready
Situational awareness is a skill—and like any skill, it improves with practice.
At A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training, we teach individuals, employees, educators, and organizations how to recognize threats early and respond confidently under stress.
Contact Us Today to schedule training for your group, workplace, or community.
Stay aware. Stay prepared. Stay 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.