How To Survive A Mass Shooting

What if YOU were caught in an active shooter situation?

Sadly, in today's world anyone is at risk to be a victim of a mass shooting. In light of recent events at the Pulse nightclub, we have been shown that preparedness is essential. So we can feel safe at movie theaters, at nightclubs, at school. If you ever find yourself in active shooter situations, follow the below steps to increase your chance of survival.

*All tips courtesy of abcnews.com

So there is a gunman in your current location

You are at work when you hear gunshots echo through the building. Everyone around you is panicking, running in different directions, hiding, running into each other. The first thing you need to do is stay calm and encourage others to do the same. I know this is easier said than done, but when you are clear-minded, you are less likely to make rash decisions that could be fatal

Run

This is the first and best option, which has the lowest mortality rate. Asses your surroundings. Where is the gunman? Would be in clear view/range of him? Where is the nearest exit? If you feel you could get out of the building without risk of getting shot, then RUN! Try to convince those around you to come too, but if they refuse, just leave them. Every second counts, and if you spend too much time arguing that just gives the shooter more time to find you. If there is a disabled/elderly person, help them out of the building. Most importantly, leave your cellphone behind. This may seem counterproductive, but you waste even more time scrambling for your phone. You also risk it going off while running, which may alert the shooter. If you are in a multi-floor building, use the elevator if you don't have to wait for too long, because once those doors close it is impossible for the shooter to reach you

Hide

If running isn't an option, whether it be because you are injured, or there are no reasonably safe exits, you need to hide. This can be risky because you risk closing yourself in, so if possible find a hiding place with multiple escape points if the shooter finds you. Once you find your hiding place, silence your cellphone so there will be minimal noise. If you are somewhere such as a conference room, barricade the door with as many heavy objects as possible to buy yourself time. if there is a landline, use that to call 911 so that they can track your location. It will probably be too risky to stay at the landline, so just dial 911 and leave. they will hopefully be a to track the location and hear the gunshots. If you dont have time to find a hiding place, you should pretend to be dead. This may sound morbid, but many people have survived this way. And remember, whatever you do, arm yourself, whether it be with scissors, a stapler, your keys, or a shard of glass. Which leads us to our last option.

Fight

This is the last option, only for when you come face to face with the shooter. Don't try and play hero unless completely necessary. First and foremost, arm yourself with anything you can find. A firehydrant woud be best, along with sharp/ heavy objects. Even a pillow could be used to knock someone off balance/suffocate them. Make sure you are with a group, so that you have strength in numbers. If one of you gets hurt, there are still more to attack the shooter. When attacking aim for the head, the groin, the back of the knee, and the elbow. If you strike the elbow/wrist the right way, they could drop the gun. the same goes if you hit the groin. Try and knock him over, so that you are on top and have the power. When he's on the ground, hit his head with anything you can find, as hard as you can, especially the temples. If possible try and take his gun. And remember, this is a last resort