What are the three basic threat zones identified in an active shooter response?

The identification of the three basic threat zones in an active shooter response—hot zone, warm zone, and cold zone—comes from established protocols and tactics used by law enforcement to manage incidents involving active shooters.

The hot zone refers to the area where an active threat is occurring, meaning it is an area of immediate danger where the shooter is believed to be actively engaging victims. In this zone, law enforcement typically prioritizes neutralizing the threat to prevent further harm.

The warm zone, on the other hand, is an area that is not under immediate threat but is adjacent to the hot zone and may still pose some level of risk. In this zone, law enforcement may begin to stage their response teams and assess the situation, allowing for some level of medical assistance or evacuation of victims when it is safe to do so.

Finally, the cold zone is a safe area that is clear from any threats. In this zone, emergency services can operate effectively without risk to their personnel. Here, victims can receive medical attention, and there is a focus on gathering information and organizing resources for follow-up actions in response to the event.

This framework is crucial for developing a rapid response and ensuring both law enforcement and civilian safety in high-stress, high-risk situations such