It’s an unfortunate reality in our world today, but there is a chance you or someone you know may find themselves in a dangerous situation at work or in public. Mass shootings, or active shooter events are terrifying to think about, but if you think ahead and prepare yourself, there are some simple steps you can take to increase your chances of survival. If you have thought through your response to this sort of situation, you are more likely to remain calm if it ever occurs, and you may be able to save lives if you do. Here are some important steps to keep in mind.
Call for Help (If You Can)
If you are in the middle of an active shooter or similarly dangerous scenario, alerting the authorities is often the simplest and best way to help resolve the situation. Using an app-based threat reporting system is very effective. It’s important to note that it is far better to report a suspicious situation than to wait and confirm that it’s dangerous. The people on the other end of any threat reporting system are committed to helping others and saving lives; they would rather you err on the side of caution than fail to act.
Stay Behind Locked Doors or Barricades
Analyze your environment. If you have access to an immediate exit, fleeing may be an option. You must recognize, however, that you will be exposed and vulnerable while running. In many cases, simply locking a door or creating a heavy barricade can make the difference between life and death. Contrary to what you may see in action movies, it takes a massive amount of firepower to shoot through a door, especially if it’s locked. Most shooters will move on rather than waste time on this.
Arm Yourself and Create a Distraction
You may be surprised to learn how much you can accomplish by grabbing everyday items. Hammers and similar tools are very effective weapons. Scissors can be as well. It’s also important to point out the effectiveness of creating a distraction. An active shooter will likely be focusing on advancing towards their next target or goal. Something as simple as a loud noise can throw off their focus enough to provide a window to disarm them, attack, or even escape. It’s scary to think about, but if you see them before they see you, you have the upper hand, if only for a few seconds. Use it to your advantage.
Hopefully, you will never have to use this information. At the same time, having it ingrained in your mind could literally be the difference between life and death if the situation arises.
