An Active Shooter is known to be an individual whom is actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. In most cases the active shooter will use firearms and usually no pattern or method to their selection of victims.
Active Shooter situations are unpredictable and will evolve quickly. Usually, law enforcement is necessary to neutralize the threat and mitigate harm to victims.
Active Shooter situations typically will not last long. The studies show most are over within 10-15 minutes. This is a very important fact; individuals must be prepared both physically and mentally to deal with emergency situations.
The action of RUN | HIDE | FIGHT is documented to be the best tactic to surviving an Active Shooter in the workplace. Many of these key tactics can be interchangeable in many situations. (These tactics are very different for academia and places with minors)
Let’s talk about the concept of RUN | HIDE | FIGHT…
RUN
When an active threat is present you should always look to RUN first if possible. If there is a safe way to create distance from danger you should go immediately.
Remove yourself from the situation
and CALL 911
HIDE
If there is no safe way to escape the active threat then you should HIDE.
- Block the door
- Avoid windows and doors
- Stay out of sight
- Silence your mobile phone
FIGHT
As only your last resort. If your life is in direct danger with no escape you MUST FIGHT.
This motto is not in any priority order. You must diagnose the situation and choose whichever action will best save your life!
What is a SAFER ZONE?
When HIDING you must become invisible. If there are windows on the inside you must ensure that you cannot be seen and give the attacker a reason to breach your hiding space.
In over 300 documented Active Shooter attacks a locked door has NEVER been breached.
An attacker’s goal during an active shooter situation is mass killing. They are only interested in fulfilling their objective of killing as many people as possible, in turn raising their body count.
Doors, walls and windows are not impenetrable and can be shot through. Bullets may also ricochet or wall ride. Position yourself in such a way that you have the best chance of survival.