Active shooter/assailant events do not just occur at schools or colleges. They can occur anywhere where people gather, like concerts, places of worship, shopping centers. Therefore it is extremely important to always be prepared.
To be prepared, one must think about how they might act if they are ever confronted in this type of situation. The main thing to remember is that if you ever encounter an active shooter/assailant event is “run, hide, fight.” It is not that you choose just one of these but that it is a continuous thought process until you are safe.
If you run, you are looking for a place to hide if you cannot completely get away; prepare to fight if you run into an attacker.
If you are hiding, you are prepared to fight if the assailant finds you or are prepared to run to another hiding place.
If you fight, you are prepared to run if you temporarily disorient the attacker.
Run
- Have an escape route and plan in mind.
- Make sure it is safe to leave the area you are in. Use your eyes and ears to determine if it is safe to run.
- Leave your belongings behind.
- Keep your hands visible.
- Once in a safe place, call police and give detailed information about what is happening. Don’t assume someone else has already called the police.
Hide
- If unable to run from the danger, your second option should be to hide.
- Find a place that’s out of the attacker’s sight and remain quiet.
- Do not huddle together, because it makes an easier target.
- Lock and barricade doors with whatever is available, such as desks, chairs, or door wedges. Shut off lights.
Fight
- Fighting is a last resort to be used only when your life is in imminent danger. (However, sometimes fighting may be the first and only option.)
- Find an object to use as a weapon, such as a fire extinguisher, backpack, book or chair.
- Attempt to incapacitate the attacker; commit to your actions; work with others to disable the assailant.
