The recent devastating incident at Allen Premium Outlets in Texas, where a lone gunman claimed eight lives, sheds light on the vulnerability of retail spaces to unforeseen acts of violence. This tragic event is a stark reminder that stores and shopping malls have increasingly become targets for such unfortunate incidents. In this blog, we will examine retail safety challenges and potential solutions in light of the tragic Allen Mall shooting.
Emerging Retail safety Concerns in the Industry:
A mass public shooting, as defined by the U.S. Congress, is a harrowing event where four or more individuals are fatally shot with firearms, excluding the perpetrator. Regrettably, retail spaces have witnessed a surge in these distressing incidents over the past six decades. Astonishingly, more than half of these incidents have occurred in just the last 15 years, underscoring a concerning trend.
The retail industry is now grappling with growing concerns over the threat of mass shootings. According to a report from the National Retail Federation, nearly 58% of its members express deep concerns about “mass violence/active assailants,” while 52.6% are troubled by gun-related violence. Moreover, a staggering 77.6% are apprehensive about the safety of both guests and associates. The current climate of active assailants and gun violence compounds the worries of retailers as they strive to ensure the safety of their employees and customers.
Why Hazavoid?
Hazavoid offers fully wireless solutions: the Hazavoid Wireless Alarm System (pictured above) and the Hazavoid Wireless Alert Beacon System come with a backup battery and solar panels.
The systems are modular and flexible to cover both indoor and outdoor settings. Pole and wall mountable, they remain discreet and efficient to protect every corner of a mall. What differentiates Hazavoid from the rest is its ease of use as well as its focus on affordability. Safety should remain a priority no matter what. For this reason, the systems self-establish within older infrastructures to avoid costly changes. Similarly, maintenance is reduced to a minimum with no additional coats. The WiLAS system offers custom tones to suit industry-specific needs and ensure constant safety. Sensors are also available for automatic activation for the WiLERT beacons for constant awareness at all times.