7 Things to Do in an Active Shooter Situation

You may love or hate Facebook, but I often find valuable information in my newsfeed. For instance, I recently came across a link to the article, “What to Do in an Active Shooter Situation” by Brett and Kate McKay on a Website called The Art of Manliness.

I encourage you to take the time to read the article, but in the meantime, I’ve distilled it to seven major takeaway points. They might just save your life. Here they are:

1. You’re probably on your own. Most mass shootings happen within two minutes, long before law enforcement shows up.
2. Be prepared. Rehearse in your mind what you would do in an active shooter situation.
3. Be aware. Know where the exits are everywhere you go. Use your senses to monitor your environment.
4. Call 911. Don’t assume someone else has done it.
5. Practice the OODA loop: Observe, orient, decide, act.
6. Run, Hide, Fight. Run in a zig-zag fashion. Hide where you can see the shooter, but he can’t see you. Fight to kill when the first two options fail.
7. Work as a team with other victims to overcome the attacker. “Courage is contagious.”

So, there you have it: Seven things you can do in an active shooter situation. Don’t just stand by and let the shooter have his way. Read the McKay’s article, “What to Do in an Active Shooter Situation,” and you might just save your life.

Ann Silverthorn writes about a wide variety of topics in numerous genres. She’s currently working on a biography of William E. Dimorier (1871-1951), a nearly forgotten poet and educator, who led a life of service.

Twitter: @annsilverthorn   Instagram: ann_silverthorn