Active shooter drills have become common practice within work settings. Due to the high increase of shootings within our schools, malls, military bases, community agencies, nightclubs etc, it has become apparent that having a plan in such situations may be crucial as well as save lives. Recently, I was in an behavioral violence prevention training for work and learned the three things to do when an active shooter situation arises.
The 3 Things You Should Know and Do
- RUN if able to evacuate building/environment
- Find the nearest exit and evacuate facility.
- Evacuate even if other staff agree to or not.
- Leave your belongings behind.
- Help others if possible.
- Prevent others from entering facility.
- Call 911 when you are safe.
- HIDE if unable to evacuate
- Lock and/or block the door.
- Put your cell phone on silence.
- Hide somewhere in the room or behind large objects, if possible.
- Remain quiet to prevent from drawing attention.
- FIGHT if your life is in danger
- Find anything near you to use as a weapon.
- Attempt to disable the shooter.
- Act with physical aggressive.
- Commit to following through on your actions.
Thank you to Homeland Security for creating the video above. This video reenacts an active shooter situation and has some graphic scenes. However, I feel that it provides a good overview of all three things you should know and do: RUN-HIDE-FIGHT!