We’re mourning the recent acts of violence in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, and the lives lost. While our country heals from these tragedies, we want to take a moment to make sure you know what to do if you are ever in an active shooter situation. While we hope you’ll never find yourself using these tips, the three most important things to remember are: RUN, HIDE and FIGHT.
RUN
Your survival chances increase drastically if you are not visible to the shooter.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and have an escape route in mind.
- Move quickly, do not wait for others to validate your decision.
- Leave belongings behind. Things can be replaced, you cannot be.
- Do not attempt to move wounded individuals.
- Once safely away, prevent others from entering the area.
HIDE
If you can’t escape, hide.
- Hide in a well-protected area that is out of the shooter’s view.
- Blockade the entrances to your hiding places with heavy furniture or anything you can get your hands on.
- Turn out the lights, turn off any noise producing devices and remain silent until help arrives.
FIGHT
As a last resort, if it comes down to you and the shooter, fight.
- Assume the shooter’s intentions are lethal and they will succeed in shooting all those they come into contact with, UNLESS you stop him/her.
- Develop a survival mindset that you have “what it takes” and be prepared to do whatever is necessary to neutralize the threat.
- Throw things, yell, use improvised weapons, fight dirty and fight for your life.
- If there are two or more of you, make a plan to overcome the shooter and commit to it.
You can find more resources through the Department of Homeland Security.