"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 It Means to "Impede" in an Active Threat Situation
When seconds count and escape isn't possible, knowing how to impede a threat can mean the difference between life and death. In the A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training method, "Impede" is the third step -coming after Assess and Leave - and it focuses on slowing, blocking, or stopping the attacker from reaching you or others until help arrives.
Impeding isn't about confrontation - it's about a strategic delay. The goal is to create barriers between yourself and the attacker long enough to survive and give law enforcement time to intervene.
What "Impede" Really Means
To impede means to delay or obstruct an attacker's movement or line of sight. If you can't safely leave an area, your next best option is to make yourself difficult to reach, see, or harm.
This might include:
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Locking and barricading doors
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Turning off lights and silencing devices
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Blocking entryways with heavy furniture
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Positioning yourself behind solid cover (like walls, desks, or cabinets)
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Creating multiple obstacles to slow the threat's progress
In an active shooter or violent threat event, even a few seconds of delay can save lives.
Why Impeding Works
Active shooters are often looking for speed and visibility - they want to move quickly through spaces to cause harm before responders arrive. Every locked door, barricaded hallway, or blocked sightline increases the chance they’ll move on to another area instead of wasting time.
Data shows:
According to FBI statistics, the average active shooter incident lasts less than 10 minutes, and nearly 70% end before law enforcement can arrive. That means those on-site-employees, students, or visitors - must act immediately to protect themselves.
The ability to impede movement buys critical time for survival and for first responders to engage.
Practical Ways to Impede a Threat
You don't need special tools or training to make a big difference - you just need a plan.
Here are effective ways to apply “Impede†in real situations:
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Lock doors immediately if possible - attackers often won't waste time trying to force entry.
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Stack furniture (desks, filing cabinets, chairs) tightly against entry points.
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Turn off lights and silence phones to reduce visibility and noise.
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Stay low and out of sight of doors and windows.
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Use belts or cords to secure door handles if no lock is available.
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Keep quiet and remain alert for updates.
These steps transform ordinary spaces into safe zones that can protect you until the threat passes.
How "Impede" Fits Into the A.L.I.V.E. Method
The A.L.I.V.E. acronym stands for:
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A - Assess: Recognize what's happening and make fast, informed decisions.
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L - Leave: Escape if you can do so safely.
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I - Impede: Barricade and block the attacker if escape isn't possible.
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V - Violence: Defend yourself with commitment and force if confronted.
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E - Expose: When it's safe, share information with first responders.
Each step builds on the other - and "Impede" is the critical pause that can keep you safe until rescue.
Training Makes the Difference
When panic sets in, your body and mind default to what you've practiced. Without preparation, hesitation takes over. With A.L.I.V.E. training, you'll know exactly how to act when every second matters.
Our courses teach:
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How to quickly assess exits and safe zones
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The best materials to use when barricading
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Real-world scenarios to practice "Impede" safely and effectively
Take the Next Step Toward Preparedness
Don't wait until it's too late to learn what to do in an active threat situation. You can't predict violence - but you can prepare for it.
Contact Us Today to schedule your training for your company, school, or organization.
Stay alert. Stay safe. 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.