Run Hide Fight: Survival Guide For Active Shooters

Run Hide Fight, a crucial response strategy in active shooter situations, is designed to increase your chances of survival. This approach, promoted by law enforcement and security professionals, provides straightforward actions individuals can take when confronted with an active shooter. Understanding and practicing these steps can be the difference between life and death. Let's dive deep into what each element of Run Hide Fight entails and how you can prepare yourself and others.

Run: The First and Most Important Step

Running is always the preferred option when an active shooter is present. Your primary goal is to evacuate the area as quickly and safely as possible. This means immediately moving away from the threat without hesitation. Don't worry about gathering your belongings; your life is more important. The critical thing to understand here is the urgency. Every second counts in these high-stress scenarios. If there is a clear and accessible escape route, take it. Be aware of your surroundings and identify the safest and quickest path to exit. Consider the following crucial steps when running:

• Evacuate Immediately: As soon as you hear gunfire or are alerted to an active shooter, don't delay. Begin moving toward the nearest exit immediately. Hesitation can be fatal. Run, even if you are unsure of the exact location of the shooter. The further you get from the threat, the better.
• Know Your Exits: Familiarize yourself with the exits, stairwells, and fire escapes in any building you regularly occupy, such as your workplace, school, or public spaces. Being familiar with escape routes will save you precious seconds when every moment counts.
• Help Others If Possible: If it's safe, and it doesn't impede your escape, help others evacuate. However, never risk your own safety to assist someone else. Your survival is the priority.
• Alert Others: While you are running, alert others of the danger. Yelling "Active Shooter!" can warn those who may not be aware of the situation.
• Don't Stop: Keep moving until you reach a safe location outside the building. Once outside, move as far away from the building as possible and call 911.

Remember, the goal of Run is to put as much distance as possible between you and the threat. Your instinct might be to freeze or hide, but running is usually your best chance of survival. It is crucial to remember that running should be your first response if it is safe to do so. Understanding this simple principle can save your life, guys!

Hide: When Running Isn't Possible

Hiding becomes your next line of defense when escape is not immediately possible or when running exposes you to greater danger. Hiding involves concealing yourself from the shooter’s view, ideally in a location that offers some protection. This could mean seeking shelter behind solid objects or in rooms away from the shooter’s line of sight. The goal is to become a more difficult target and to buy time until help arrives. Here’s how to effectively hide:

• Choose a Secure Location: Select a hiding spot that offers protection. This could be a room with a door that can be locked or barricaded, a large closet, or behind a solid piece of furniture. Avoid areas that provide little cover, such as open spaces or areas with glass windows.
• Lock and Block the Door: If you are in a room with a door, lock it immediately. If there is no lock, use anything available to barricade the door, such as furniture, heavy objects, or anything that will make it difficult for the shooter to enter. This buys valuable time and provides a significant deterrent.
• Silence Your Cell Phone: Turn off your cell phone or put it on silent. Any noise can reveal your location to the shooter. Vibrations can also be a giveaway. Ensure no sound is coming from your hiding place.
• Stay Out of Sight: Position yourself out of the shooter’s view. Stay low to the ground, and avoid windows and doors. Remain quiet and still, as any movement or noise can attract attention.
• Be Prepared to Fight: If the shooter is in the same room or approaches your hiding place, be prepared to fight back as a last resort. Use anything available as a weapon, such as chairs, fire extinguishers, or any heavy object you can throw or swing. The goal is to incapacitate the shooter, giving you time to escape or to wait for law enforcement.

Hiding is a crucial survival strategy when escape is not viable. It is vital to create distance, both physically and visually, between you and the threat. Always choose a hiding place that provides cover from bullets. Think of it like this, guys: hiding isn't just about staying out of sight; it's about buying time and increasing your chances of survival.

Fight: The Last Resort

Fighting should be your last resort, but it can be a life-saving option when running and hiding are no longer viable. If the shooter is in your immediate vicinity and you are unable to escape or hide safely, you must be prepared to fight for your life. This is not a situation anyone wants to be in, but it's essential to know what to do if you are cornered. The goal is to incapacitate the shooter, disrupting their ability to cause harm and providing an opportunity for you and others to escape or for law enforcement to intervene. Here’s how to fight effectively:

• Assess the Situation: Quickly assess your environment and the shooter's position. Determine if there are others with you and if they are capable of assisting. The more people assisting, the better your chances.
• Improvise Weapons: Use anything available as a weapon. This could include chairs, fire extinguishers, books, staplers, or any heavy object that can be thrown or swung. Even seemingly harmless items can be used to defend yourself when faced with a deadly threat. Use whatever is at your disposal.
• Attack Aggressively: Act with aggression and determination. Aim for vulnerable areas such as the head, eyes, and groin. Overwhelm the shooter with coordinated attacks. The element of surprise is on your side here, so use it to your advantage.
• Work as a Team (If Possible): If there are others with you, coordinate your actions. Work together to overwhelm and incapacitate the shooter. One person can distract while others attack. Teamwork can significantly increase your chance of survival.
• Continue the Fight Until Safe: Continue fighting until the shooter is incapacitated, surrenders, or law enforcement arrives. Do not give up until the threat is neutralized. After the shooter is down, immediately move away from the shooter and follow law enforcement instructions.

Fighting is a high-stakes situation that demands quick thinking, decisive action, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to survive. Remember, you are fighting for your life and the lives of others. In this context, it's about survival, and it is not about being heroic. This isn't an ideal situation, guys, but being prepared is essential.

After the Active Shooter Event

Once the active shooter threat has ended, whether through escape, hiding, or fighting back, there are important steps to take to ensure your safety and facilitate a safe recovery.

• Call 911: If you haven’t already, call 911 immediately. Provide your location and any information you have about the shooter, including their appearance, clothing, and weapons. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
• Follow Law Enforcement Instructions: Law enforcement officers will arrive on the scene and begin securing the area and assisting victims. Follow their instructions precisely. Keep your hands visible and do not make any sudden movements.
• Evacuate: Once the area is secure, you will be instructed to evacuate. Be prepared to be questioned by law enforcement about the incident.
• Seek Medical Attention: If you are injured, seek immediate medical attention. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s a good idea to be checked by medical professionals.
• Counseling: The aftermath of an active shooter event can be traumatic. Seek counseling to process your experience and begin the healing process. There are many resources available to help you cope with the emotional impact.

Training and Preparation

Training and preparation are essential to maximizing your chances of survival in an active shooter event. Being prepared helps you to respond quickly and effectively when faced with a terrifying situation. This preparation should include training, drills, and education. Here’s how to prepare:

• Training Programs: Participate in active shooter training programs offered by your workplace, school, or community. These programs typically include simulations and practical exercises that will help you understand and practice the Run, Hide, Fight strategies.
• Drills: Conduct regular drills in your workplace or school to practice the Run, Hide, Fight response. This will help you familiarize yourself with escape routes and hiding places.
• Awareness and Situational Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Identify potential escape routes, hiding places, and areas that provide cover. This will help you to react quickly in an emergency.
• First Aid: Take a first aid course and learn basic life-saving techniques, such as how to stop bleeding. This will enable you to provide assistance to yourself or others who may be injured during an active shooter event.
• Mental Preparation: Prepare yourself mentally for the possibility of an active shooter event. Understand that such events can happen anywhere and at any time. Having a plan in mind will help you stay calm and make better decisions in a crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What should I do if I encounter an active shooter? Follow the Run, Hide, Fight strategy. Run if there is a clear and safe escape route. Hide if you cannot run. Fight as a last resort.
• How can I protect myself when hiding? Lock the door, barricade it if possible, and stay out of sight. Silence your cell phone and remain as quiet as possible.
• What should I do if I am in a room with an active shooter? Fight back as a last resort using any available objects as weapons. Aim for vulnerable areas, and fight aggressively to incapacitate the shooter.
• How should I interact with law enforcement when they arrive? Follow their instructions precisely. Keep your hands visible and do not make any sudden movements.
• Where can I get more training? Check with your workplace, school, or local law enforcement agencies for active shooter training programs.

Conclusion: Staying Safe in a Dangerous World

In conclusion, Run Hide Fight provides a vital framework for surviving active shooter events. By understanding and practicing these steps, individuals can increase their chances of survival and help protect others. Remember, the priority is to stay alive. In a dangerous situation, these strategies provide a roadmap for survival. By implementing these principles and staying vigilant, you can significantly enhance your safety and the safety of those around you. Stay safe out there, guys!