What to do during an Active Shooter incident
Active shooter incidents have unfortunately become all too common in modern society. These situations can be extremely dangerous and stressful, but there are steps you can take to increase your chances of survival. In this blog, we’ll discuss some active shooter response tips that could help you stay safe if you find yourself in such a situation.
- Run, Hide, Fight: In the event of an active shooter, remember the “Run, Hide, Fight” protocol. Your first priority should be to run away from the shooter if possible. If that’s not an option, find a safe place to hide and barricade yourself inside. As a last resort, be prepared to fight the shooter to protect yourself and others.
- Stay Calm: It’s crucial to remain calm in an active shooter situation. Panic can cloud your judgement and impair your ability to make good decisions. Take deep breaths and stay focused.
- Trust Your Instincts: If you sense that something is wrong, trust your instincts and take action. Don’t assume that someone else will handle the situation. The sooner you act, the better your chances of survival.
- Call Emergency Services: Once you are in a safe location, call emergency services and provide as much information as possible about the shooter’s location, appearance, and behavior. Stay on the line with the operator until help arrives.
- Stay Low: If you are unable to run or hide, stay low to the ground. This will make you a smaller target for the shooter and increase your chances of survival.
- Stay Quiet: If you are hiding, stay quiet and turn off any electronic devices that could make noise. You don’t want to draw attention to your location.
- Identify Exits: Take note of all possible exits when entering a building. This will help you quickly evacuate the building if necessary.
- Have a Plan: It’s a good idea to have an active shooter response plan in place, especially if you live or work in a high-risk area. Ensure that everyone in your workplace or home knows the plan and has practiced it.
- Be Prepared: It’s wise to be prepared for an active shooter situation by knowing how to use basic medical equipment like a first-aid kit and having emergency supplies on hand, like water and non-perishable food.
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on active shooter incidents in your area by signing up for emergency alerts and paying attention to news reports. The more informed you are, the better prepared you’ll be in case of an emergency.
In summary, an active shooter situation is a terrifying and unpredictable event, but by following the above tips, you can increase your chances of survival. Remember to stay calm, trust your instincts, and act quickly. Stay safe and be prepared.
