Active Shooter: Preparing for the Unthinkable

19 Feb

 

The recent active shooter events throughout the country highlight the need for every individual and family to be prepared and to have a plan in case you’re suddenly in harm’s way of an active shooter. Every day people like us and our family members are vulnerable to an unthinkable situation of an active shooter whether we are at a large shopping mall, at work or at church, an outdoor or indoor arena for a concert, a stadium for a sporting event or elsewhere. The random nature of mass shootings should make each of stop and think: am I prepared? Law enforcement and other emergency first responders advise using a simple 3 step plan: Run-Hide-Fight. Have an escape route and plan. Find a place to hide. Fight as a last resort with physical aggression. Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit. Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers. These safety tips are drawn from an active shooter training program that is available free online that can teach you more about making a personal safety plan and how to use Run-Hide-Fight to stay alive. The course is approximately 45 minutes in length and is by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). The course can be accessed at:

https://emilms.fema.gov/IS907/curriculum/1.html