Seattle bartenders and bouncers go through active shooter training



SEATTLE -- Since the Orlando nightclub shooting, many have wondered about safety here. The city of Seattle is trying to prevent the possibility of mass casualties by training people what to do in an active shooter scenario. The first training session happened in Capitol Hill Monday.

“I feel like it’s important to be able to help each other out,” says NG Langston.

That’s why she and 100 other people who work in bars and clubs in Seattle attended the training.

“No one wants to accept that it happens, but it does,” says Cody Whistler, who works as a bouncer. “Recent events show that and it’s better to be prepared.”

Seattle police officer Jeff Geoghagan spent a few hours sharing tips on how to spot potential shooters and how to protect others when someone starts shooting. The city had been planning the training sessions for months. After the Orlando shooting, they decided to hold the training sessions immediately.

“The Orlando thing really hit home with me,” says bartender Ade Connore. “I think a lot of us, especially in nightlife industry, aren’t thinking about it. We hear about shooting at schools, in places that are different sorts of targets.”

But shootings can happen anywhere, and in many cases, law enforcement won’t be able to respond immediately. That’s why Geoghagan says people need to learn the ABC's of protecting themselves.

A-- Avoid a shooter, if possible. Get out of the building and try to get others out of harm’s way.

B— Barricade yourself, if you can’t safely exit. That means finding a safe place and making it hard for the shooter to get near you.

C—Combat the shooter, if that doesn't work. Work with others and find items that you can use to disarm the shooter and stop him.

No one here wants to put this advice to use, but they say they’re glad to have the information.

“You’d much rather have the training and never use it than need it in a situation and not know what to do,” says bartender Brandon Welch.

Seattle police will be holding two more training sessions. Tuesday’s session is for people who work large events like the Pride Parade this weekend. Wednesday’s session is open to everyone. It’s happening at 5 p.m. at Neighbours nightclub on Capitol Hill.