Communication Flashcards

During an evacuation, a teacher encounters first responders in the hallway. What communication action is recommended?

Answer: Keep hands visible and quickly report the threat's last known location to officers

Passing along threat location information to first responders helps them navigate toward the danger while evacuees move away from it.

What role does social media play in ALICE Communication guidance during an active threat?

Answer: It can spread unverified information and should be used cautiously if at all during an event

During active events, social media can circulate unverified or inaccurate information that causes panic or compromises safety, so caution is advised.

A school uses a lockdown app that sends push notifications to all staff. Under ALICE principles, what is a key advantage of this over a single PA announcement?

Answer: It allows ongoing, updated messages to reach individuals even if they are away from a PA speaker

Push notification systems can deliver continuous updates to individuals throughout the building, including remote areas where PA coverage may be poor.

When should an 'all-clear' communication be issued during an ALICE event?

Answer: Only after law enforcement has confirmed the scene is safe and secured

Only law enforcement has the authority and situational awareness to declare a scene safe; premature all-clears can put people in danger.

How should a teacher communicate a room change if she decides to evacuate her class mid-event?

Answer: Inform the PA operator or call the office with her new location as soon as safely possible

Keeping administration and responders updated on room/location changes ensures accurate accountability and improves reunification after the event.

Which scenario best illustrates the ALICE principle of 'Inform' happening in real time?

Answer: A staff member continuously broadcasts the shooter's movements over the PA as they are observed

Real-time Inform means continuously updating occupants as the situation unfolds, not after-the-fact reporting.

A visitor in a lobby does not know the building's emergency procedures. How does ALICE's plain-language communication approach help this person?

Answer: Plain-language announcements give the visitor understandable instructions without needing prior training

Plain language ensures that anyone in the building, regardless of training level, can understand and act on threat information.