Run, Hide, Fight: These are the lessons to take away from the Department of Homeland Security on what to do in the unfortunate event that you find yourself in the midst of an active shooter.
It may be an uncomfortable or even frightening prospect to prepare oneself for, but as the saying goes, it is always better to be safe than sorry. The Department of Homeland Security has released a video in conjunction with the Houston, Texas Police Department on what they believe and recommend to be the mandatory steps for anyone in the vicinity of an active shooter. An uncomplicated plan, Run, Hide and Fight, urges you to escape if possible. Even if a coworker, friend, or stranger asks or pleads you to stay, if you know of a safe escape route, take it. Getting yourself out of harm’s way is the priority. Call 911 as soon as it is safe. If you cannot get out safely, find a place to hide as soon as possible, acting as swiftly and quietly as possible. Turn off anything that can make noise, try to barricade yourself and try to remain calm. The last step they recommend is to fight. If your life is at risk, and whether you are alone or with a group, act with aggression and improvise weapons to disarm the shooter. With the shocking uptick in mass shootings across the world, the Department of Homeland Security encourages schools and businesses to run this sequence as a drill. For more information, visit their website.
