“A.L.I.C.E.” is an acronym for 5 steps you can utilize to increase your chances of surviving a surprise attack by an armed intruder. It is important to remember that the “ALICE” response does not follow a set of actions you “shall, must, will” do when confronted with an armed intruder. Your survival is paramount in this situation.

Alert

Your first notification of danger

➔ Alert is when you first become aware of a threat. The sooner you understand that you’re in danger, the sooner you can save yourself. A speedy response is critical. Seconds count.

➔ Alert is, overcoming denial, recognizing the signs of danger, and receiving notifications about the danger from others. Alerts should be accepted, taken seriously, and should help you make survival decisions based on your circumstances.

Lock Down

Barricade the room. Prepare to EVACUATE or COUNTER if needed

➔ If EVACUATION is not a safe option, barricade entry points into your room to create a semi-secure starting point. ALICE trainers instruct on practical techniques for how to better barricade a room, what to do with mobile and electronic devices, how and when to communicate with police, and how to use your time in lockdown to prepare to use other strategies (i.e. Counter or Evacuate) that might become into play should the active shooter gain entry.

Inform

Communicate the violent intruder location and direction in real time

➔ The purpose of INFORM is to continue to communicate information in as real time as possible, if it is safe to do so. Armed intruder situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly, which means that ongoing, real-time information is key to making effective survival decisions.

➔ Information should always be clear, direct and in plain language, not using codes. If the shooter is known to be in an isolated section of a building, occupants in other wards can safely evacuate while those in direct danger can perform enhanced lock down and prepare to counter.

Counter

Create Noise, Movement, Distance and Distraction with the intent of reducing the shooter’s ability to shoot accurately. Counter is NOT fighting.

➔ ALICE Training does not believe that actively confronting a violent intruder is the best method for ensuring the safety of those involved. Counter is a strategy of last resort. Counter focuses on actions that create noise, movement, distance, and distraction with the intent of reducing the shooter’s ability to shoot accurately. Creating a dynamic environment decreases the shooter’s chance of hitting a target and can provide the precious seconds needed to evacuate.

Evacuate

When safe to do so, remove yourself from the danger zone

➔ ATI provides techniques for safer and more strategic evacuations. Evacuating to a safe area takes people out of harm’s way and hopefully prevents civilians from having to come into any contact with the shooter. Did you know that you should break a window from the top corner as opposed to the center? Many useful techniques that civilians do not know exist and can save your life.

➔ ALICE trainers teach strategies for evacuating through windows, from higher floors and under extreme duress.