8 Steps To Survive A Mass Shooting Event
Have you ever conducted mental exercises to prepare yourself to respond during a mass shooting event? Mass shootings have unfortunately become all too common in our society. With recent events like the Michigan State University shooting, the Las Vegas shooting, and the Pulse nightclub shooting, it’s important to know how to protect yourself and others if you ever find yourself in a situation like this. While the odds of being involved in a mass shooting are still relatively low, it’s better to be prepared just in case. At Tharros Security Solutions, we provide training around mass shootings and first aid response. Here are some tips on how to survive a mass shooting event.
Run, Hide, Fight
The Department of Homeland Security recommends a simple three-step plan for dealing with an active shooter: run, hide, fight. Attempt to safely get away from the shooter, doing so as quickly as possible. If you can’t escape, find a place to hide where the shooter is less likely to find you. If the shooter does find you, be prepared to fight for your life.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Pay attention to your surroundings and take note of emergency exits and other escape routes. If you’re in a public place, look for places to hide, such as behind a counter or under a desk. Always know where the nearest exit is, and be prepared to use it if necessary.
Stay Calm
It’s natural to panic in a situation like this, but staying calm can make all the difference. Take deep breaths, focus on your surroundings, and try to think clearly. Don’t let fear and panic control your actions.
Communicate with Others
If you’re with other people, communicate with them and work together to find a safe place to hide or escape. Use non-verbal cues if necessary to avoid drawing attention to yourselves. If you have a cell phone, call 911 and provide as much information as possible about the shooter’s location and description.
Lock and Barricade Doors
If you’re in a room with a door, lock it and barricade it with furniture or other objects. This can make it more difficult for the shooter to enter the room and give you more time to escape or prepare to fight.
Fight as a Last Resort
If you can’t escape or hide, be prepared to fight. Use anything you can find as a weapon, such as a fire extinguisher or a chair. Aim for the shooter’s head or chest, and be aggressive in your attack.
Follow Law Enforcement Instructions
When law enforcement arrives on the scene, follow their instructions and cooperate with them. Keep your hands visible, and don’t make any sudden movements that could be mistaken for an attack.
Seek Help
After the shooting is over, seek help for yourself and others who may have been affected by the incident. Talk to a mental health professional to help you deal with the emotional aftermath of the event.
It’s important to remember that these tips are not a guarantee of survival, but they can increase your chances of making it out of a mass shooting alive. The most important thing is to be prepared, stay alert, and stay calm in a high-stress situation. Remember that your survival is the top priority, and do whatever you can to protect yourself and others around you. Proactive protection training is more crucial than ever before. At Tharros Security Solutions, our USCCA certified instructors provide training around mass shootings and emergency first aid response. Let us train your staff, congregation, and your family. Contact us today.
