The story all weekend has been one of an active shooting in a public place.
Whether the event takes place at a theater, a mall or a nightclub; it’s a horrific event. One that we all wish would not, could not, happen. For most of us, this is just something horrific in the news. We talk about it with friends and co-workers at the water cooler and coffee shop; but it happened somewhere else. It could never, would never happen where I shop, relax or have fun; right?
So, you’re thinking, “What are the odds that something like that will happen to me the next time I’m out at school, work or play?” Actually the odds are in your favor, but we’re not talking statistics, we’re talking personal protection and your individual safety. We pray that it will never happen, but you need to have a plan just in case.
Let’s walk through a scenario and consider your reaction. Father’s Day is this coming weekend, so you and your daughter are at the mall looking for something for dad when out of the blue you hear gun shots and screaming. How will you react? Do you have a plan?
It would be impossible to articulate a detailed step by step strategy for this situation; there are too many variables, but you can plot out a foundation of basic steps that would be useful in any situation…
Rule ONE: “AVOID” – get away from the event. Move guardedly away from the disruption – did you identify exits when you entered the building? Go to one and get out of the building and to a safe location. Call 911 and wait for law enforcement to arrive. (We indicate guardedly, and don’t follow the herd; the first disruption may be to drive the herd towards danger!)
Remember the following as you develop your preparedness plan:
- Remember Rule ONE: If you have a clear path to an exit, move toward that exit. Grab your loved ones and leave your belongings. (If you can screen your exit by turning off lights or spaying a fire extinguisher, do so; such actions screen you actions from the shooter.)
- Rule TWO: If you cannot run – HIDE. Find a room, lock the door or block the entrance, turn off the lights and turn your cell phone ringer to off. Stay silent. Push furniture in front of the door, move a desk, or shelves, to block off access to a corner, whatever you can find to put an obstacle between the shooter and you.
- Rule THREE: As a last resort, FIGHT. If you are with others, work as a team, grab whatever tool you can find to stop the threat. It may be a fire extinguisher, a kitchen knife, or even a broom stick – and it may be your bare hands. When the opportunity presents itself, attack – and attack with the intensity of a mother protecting her children, which very well may be the case.
The shooter wants attention, they’re looking for the rush of power and control. They are likely looking for targets of opportunity. Make yourself a more difficult target and they will move on.
In many states, a concealed handgun license allows an individual to be armed, and although they may have the ability to carry a handgun for protection; most experts recommend avoiding an active shooter in a crowded public location. If the threat is upon you, then react as trained. But if you’re not a SWAT professional, it’s best to leave the attack and take down of the shooter to trained law enforcement.
When law enforcement arrives, remain calm, keep quiet and keep your hands visible.
We are likely to never be in such a situation, but with a little forethought, if it were to happen to us, we’re more likely to avoid personal harm by having a thought out security plan.
For more information on How to Survive an Active Shooter Event, watch “Run-Hide-Fight” a presentation from the Houston, Texas Department of Homeland Security.
Also consider taking a Situational Handgun Classor Private Instruction with our highly trained instructors to improve your skills and technique.
Stay Alert, Be Safe.
