In an active shooter incident, where are members not allowed to operate?

In an active shooter incident, the hot zone refers to the area where the threat is immediate and active, meaning there is a risk to life and safety due to ongoing gunfire or violence. Therefore, it is critical that only law enforcement and specially trained personnel operate in this area to neutralize the threat and to ensure the safety of civilians and first responders. By restricting access to the hot zone, emergency responders can focus on the situation without interference and reduce the risk of additional casualties or confusion.

In contrast, the safe zone and cold zone are areas established for the security and protection of individuals where operations are safe. The command post serves as a coordination center for emergency management, where strategic decisions are made without exposing personnel to active danger. Thus, understanding the hierarchy of zones in an active shooter situation is crucial for effective response and minimizing harm.