December 6, 2021 Safety Tip of the Week delivered to your inbox each Monday by GrainnetSafety.com
Active Shooter Incidents – Run, Hide, Fight
Active shooter incidents are unpredictable and evolve quickly. They are typically over within 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene.
If you find yourself in a crisis situation, such as an active shooter incident, the most important thing you can do is:
Try to stay calm
Evaluate the situation to determine how to respond
Call 911
According to the Department of Homeland Security, there are three ways to respond during an active shooter crisis situation. You can run, hide, or fight. You should attempt to respond in that order:
Run
Exit the area immediately if you can do so safely. Leave your belongings behind and encourage others to exit and assist them if possible. Prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be located. In the event that a safe escape is not possible, find a secure area and wait for law enforcement to arrive.
Hide
Find a safe place to stay where the active shooter is less likely to find you and remain out of the active shooter’s view. If possible, lock the door and barricade it with heavy objects. Shield yourself from gunfire by hiding under furniture, bulky items, or large equipment. Remain quiet and silence your cell phone. If you cannot exit safely or find a secure place to hide, the last resort is to fight the active shooter.
Fight
Fighting involves taking aggressive action against the active shooter. This may involve throwing items, improvising weapons, yelling, and committing to your actions.
