With mass shootings making news on a frequent basis, it’s increasingly important to consider what actions you may need to take to protect yourself, should you find yourself in an active shooter situation.
To ensure you’re best prepared to handle an active shooter situation, Nicole Paier, writing for the Huffington Post, has assembled a list of eleven recommendations, provided by experts in security. “During an active shooter situation, it is estimated that law enforcement response time may be between five to six minutes. And on average, an active shooter situation lasts anywhere between five to eight minutes,” Steve Guerrero, director of security for nonprofit Greet Dot Public Schools, told The Huffington Post. This time restriction can mean those in the area may not be able to rely on law enforcement or emergency responders to assist them.
The Huffington Post’s tips include, but are not limited to:
Be Aware: Keep track of your surroundings and other people, look for exits, and develop an understanding of the general layout.
Plan Ahead: Consider escape routes, hiding places, safe rooms, and other items and places that could assist in survival.
Run and Hide: If the opportunity permits, run, to put as much distance and objects as you can between you and the shooter. If you can’t run, hide, and remain still and quit. While calling 911 to notify them may be helpful, don’t let that interfere with running or hiding first.
Staying away: Don’t let your curiosity draw you toward an active shooter event. It’s been often noted that, when hearing gunfire, people often move toward it, to find out the cause.
While these tips may not guarantee your safety, they will help to improve your odds of survival, should you find yourself in an active shooter situation.
Source:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-experts-know-active-shooter-situation_n_5be5b4a6e4b0769d24ccb529
