Surviving a Mass Shooting Situation

🏃‍♀️ 1. Run (Evacuate)

If there is a clear and safe path to escape, your first priority is to get out.

• Have an escape route and plan in mind. Quickly move away from the sound of danger.
• Leave your belongings behind. Time is critical; do not stop to grab your personal items.
• Evacuate immediately, regardless of whether others agree to follow. Encourage others to go with you, but don’t stay behind because others hesitate.
• Prevent others from entering the area where the shooter is located.
• Keep your hands visible and empty as you evacuate, so responding law enforcement knows you are not a threat.
• Call 911 when you are safe and can do so without drawing attention to yourself. Provide the location, number of shooters, description, and type of weapons.

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🔒 2. Hide (Seek Shelter)

If you cannot safely evacuate, you need to quickly find a place to hide.

• Find an area that is out of the shooter’s view. A hiding spot should offer protection if shots are fired in your direction (e.g., behind thick walls or large, heavy objects).
• Block the door and secure your hiding place. Lock the door and barricade it with heavy furniture.
• Silence all noise. Turn off lights, silence your cell phone completely (including turning off vibrate mode), and remain very quiet.
• Avoid being trapped. Choose a hiding spot that does not restrict your options for movement if you need to escape later.
• Spread out if you are hiding with others, as huddling together can make an easier target.

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🥊 3. Fight (Act as a Last Resort)

This is a last resort, and should only be considered if your life is in imminent danger and you cannot run or hide.

• Attempt to disrupt or incapacitate the shooter. The goal is to survive by any means necessary.
• Act with physical aggression. You should be as aggressive as possible and commit to your actions.
• Improvise weapons by using anything available, such as fire extinguishers, chairs, scissors, or heavy objects.
• Throw items at the shooter to distract or disarm them.
• Work as a group if possible to ambush the shooter.

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🚨 When Law Enforcement Arrives

The first arriving officers are focused on locating and stopping the shooter, not evacuating victims or providing first aid.

• Remain calm and follow all instructions from officers.
• Keep your hands visible at all times and raised with fingers spread. Do not make quick movements toward them.
• Avoid pointing, screaming, or yelling.
• Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction while they are moving toward the threat; just proceed in the direction they instruct.
• Help for the injured will follow once the scene is secured.

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✅ Before an Event

Preparedness can increase your chances of survival:

• Maintain Situational Awareness: Be aware of your environment and notice the nearest exits and potential hiding places whenever you enter a new building (work, school, restaurant, etc.).
• “See Something, Say Something”: Report any suspicious behavior, concerning communications, or expressed intent to cause harm to authorities immediately.
• Learn Life-Saving Skills: Consider taking a Stop the Bleed or basic first aid course.