Run Hide Fight: Survive An Active Shooter

by RICHARD 42 views

Active shooter events are a harsh reality in today's world, and knowing how to react can significantly increase your chances of survival. The Run Hide Fight strategy provides a simple yet effective framework for responding to such threats. This guide will delve into each component of the strategy, offering practical advice and actionable steps to help you prepare and react in the face of danger.

Understanding the Run Hide Fight Strategy

The Run Hide Fight strategy is a widely recognized and recommended approach for responding to active shooter situations. It prioritizes escape as the first option, followed by hiding if evacuation is not possible, and finally, fighting back as a last resort when your life is in imminent danger. This strategy empowers individuals to make informed decisions based on the specific circumstances of the event.

1. Run: Your Primary Goal – Evacuate

Running should always be your first instinct when an active shooter event occurs. If there is a clear and safe escape path, prioritize evacuating the premises immediately. Don't hesitate; don't worry about belongings; just run. The goal is to get yourself out of the danger zone as quickly and safely as possible. Here's what to keep in mind when running:

  • Have an escape route and plan in mind: Before an event occurs, take the time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Identify potential exits, fire escapes, and alternative routes you can use in an emergency. Think about different scenarios and mentally rehearse your escape plan. This proactive approach can save valuable time and improve your response in a real situation.
  • Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow: Your safety is your priority. Don't wait for others to make a decision or try to convince them to leave. If you have a clear escape path, evacuate immediately. People may be in shock, denial, or simply unable to process the situation quickly. Trust your instincts and take action to protect yourself.
  • Leave your belongings behind: Material possessions are replaceable; your life is not. Don't waste time gathering your belongings or trying to save personal items. Your focus should be solely on escaping the danger. Leave everything behind and prioritize your safety.
  • Help others if possible: While your primary focus is your own safety, if you can safely assist others without putting yourself at undue risk, do so. Help those who may be injured or have difficulty moving. However, never compromise your own safety to help others. The best way to help is to get yourself to safety first and then alert authorities.
  • Prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be: As you evacuate, try to prevent others from entering the danger zone. Warn people about the situation and direct them away from the area. This can help prevent further casualties and minimize the shooter's potential targets. Use clear and concise language, such as "Active shooter! Do not enter!"
  • Keep your hands visible: When encountering law enforcement officers, keep your hands visible and empty. This will help them distinguish you from the shooter and prevent any misunderstandings. Follow their instructions calmly and cooperate fully. Avoid making any sudden movements that could be misinterpreted as threatening.
  • Once you are in a safe location, call 911: After you have evacuated to a safe location, immediately call 911 and provide the dispatcher with as much information as possible. This includes the location of the active shooter, the number of shooters (if known), descriptions of the shooter(s), types of weapons used, and the number of potential victims. Stay on the line until instructed to hang up.

2. Hide: Secure Yourself If Evacuation Isn't Possible

If you cannot run to safety, hiding becomes your next best option. Finding a secure hiding place can provide you with crucial protection and time to assess the situation. Remember, the goal is to create a barrier between yourself and the shooter. Here's how to effectively hide:

  • Hide in an area out of the active shooter’s view: The key to successful hiding is to choose a location that is out of sight from the shooter. This could be a room with a solid door, a closet, or any other area that provides cover and concealment. Avoid hiding in open areas or places where you are easily visible.
  • Lock the door if possible: If you are in a room with a door, lock it immediately. This will create a physical barrier that can slow down or deter the shooter. Reinforce the door if possible by using furniture or other heavy objects to block the entrance. This can buy you valuable time and potentially prevent the shooter from entering the room.
  • Block the door with heavy furniture: In addition to locking the door, use heavy furniture such as desks, tables, or chairs to barricade the entrance. This will make it more difficult for the shooter to force their way in. The more obstacles you create, the more time you will buy for yourself and others.
  • Silence your cell phone and any other devices that may make noise: Sound can give away your hiding location. Silence your cell phone, pager, and any other devices that could make noise, such as radios or alarms. Vibration alerts can also be heard, so turn them off as well. This will help you remain undetected and prevent the shooter from locating you.
  • Remain quiet and calm: Once you are hidden, it is crucial to remain quiet and calm. Avoid making any noise that could attract the shooter's attention. Speak in whispers if you need to communicate with others. Control your breathing and try to stay calm to think clearly and make rational decisions.

3. Fight: Your Last Resort for Survival

Fighting should only be considered as a last resort when your life is in imminent danger and you cannot run or hide. This is a desperate measure, but it can be your only chance of survival if confronted directly by the shooter. The goal is to incapacitate the shooter and prevent them from harming you or others. Here's how to fight effectively:

  • Fight as a last resort: Fighting back against an active shooter is a dangerous and high-risk option. It should only be considered when you have no other choice and your life is in immediate danger. Before resorting to fighting, exhaust all other options, such as running or hiding.
  • Attempt to incapacitate the active shooter: The goal of fighting back is to incapacitate the shooter, meaning to render them unable to continue their attack. This can be achieved by using force to disable them physically or by disrupting their ability to shoot. The key is to act decisively and with aggression.
  • Act with as much physical aggression as possible: When fighting back, you must act with as much physical aggression as possible. This means using all available force and focusing on inflicting pain and injury on the shooter. Your goal is to overwhelm them and prevent them from harming you or others.
  • Improvise weapons: In an active shooter situation, you will likely not have access to conventional weapons. Therefore, you need to be resourceful and improvise weapons from your surroundings. This could include anything that can be used to strike, stab, or throw at the shooter.
    • Throw items: Throwing objects at the shooter can be an effective way to distract them, disrupt their aim, or even knock them off balance. Use anything you can get your hands on, such as chairs, fire extinguishers, books, or even personal items like bags or shoes.
    • Use a fire extinguisher: A fire extinguisher can be a powerful weapon in an active shooter situation. The spray can disorient the shooter, making it difficult for them to see or breathe. Aim for their face and eyes to maximize the effect. Additionally, the fire extinguisher itself can be used as a blunt weapon to strike the shooter.
    • Chairs: Chairs can be used as both defensive and offensive weapons. Use a chair to block the shooter's path, create distance, or shield yourself from gunfire. You can also swing a chair at the shooter to inflict injury.
  • Commit to your actions: Once you decide to fight back, you must commit fully to your actions. Hesitation or half-hearted attempts can be ineffective and even dangerous. Act decisively and with confidence. Remember, your life and the lives of others may depend on your actions.

Staying Safe After the Shooting

Even after the shooting stops, the situation may still be dangerous. It's important to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of law enforcement officers. Here's what to do after the shooting:

  • Wait for law enforcement to arrive: Do not leave your safe location until law enforcement officers arrive and give you instructions. The area may still be unsafe, and there could be hidden dangers or additional threats.
  • Keep your hands visible: When law enforcement officers arrive, keep your hands visible and empty. This will help them identify you as a potential victim rather than a suspect. Follow their instructions calmly and cooperate fully.
  • Avoid making quick movements or pointing: Avoid making any sudden movements or pointing at anything. This could be misinterpreted as a threat and could lead to a dangerous situation. Remain calm and composed, and follow the officers' instructions.
  • Provide information to law enforcement: When questioned by law enforcement officers, provide them with as much information as possible about the incident. This includes the location of the shooter, the number of shooters, descriptions of the shooter(s), types of weapons used, and the number of potential victims. Your information can help them to bring the situation under control and provide assistance to those who need it.

Preparing for the Unthinkable

While we hope to never encounter an active shooter situation, being prepared can significantly increase your chances of survival. Here are some steps you can take to prepare:

  • Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and identify potential hazards and escape routes. This will help you to react quickly and effectively if an active shooter event occurs. Look for exits, fire escapes, and alternative routes you can use in an emergency.
  • Identify exits and escape routes in buildings you frequent: Take the time to familiarize yourself with the layout of buildings you frequent, such as your workplace, school, or shopping mall. Identify exits, fire escapes, and other escape routes. This knowledge can be invaluable in an emergency situation.
  • Participate in active shooter drills and training: If your workplace, school, or community offers active shooter drills or training, participate actively. These drills can help you to practice the Run Hide Fight strategy and develop the skills and mindset needed to survive an active shooter event.
  • Discuss emergency plans with family, friends, and colleagues: Talk to your family, friends, and colleagues about what to do in an active shooter situation. Develop a communication plan and designate meeting points in case you are separated during an emergency. This can provide you with peace of mind and ensure that everyone knows what to do in a crisis.

Conclusion: Empowerment Through Preparedness

Active shooter situations are terrifying events, but knowing the Run Hide Fight strategy can empower you to respond effectively and increase your chances of survival. Remember, running is always the first and best option, hiding provides crucial protection if escape is impossible, and fighting back is a last resort when your life is in imminent danger. By understanding and practicing these principles, and by staying vigilant and prepared, you can significantly improve your ability to survive in the face of danger. Stay safe, guys!