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:
- Where are the main exits?
- Are there secondary exits (back doors, side doors, service corridors)?
- 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:
- Solid furniture
- Locked rooms
- Thick walls
- 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:
- Nervous or erratic behavior
- Avoiding eye contact
- Clenched jaw or fists
- Wearing bulky clothing that doesn’t match the weather
- 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.
About the Author
Michael D. Julian is President of MPS Security & Protection and a 30-plus-year veteran of the security and investigations industry. He served as President of the California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI) from 2005 to 2015 and has led executive protection, residential security, and corporate investigations engagements for Fortune 500 principals, high-net-worth families, and public figures across the United States. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn.