SURVIVING AN ACTIVE SHOOTER INCIDENT

19.95SURVIVING AN ACTIVESHOOTER INCIDENT:5 STEPS TO STAY ALIVESpecial Report:Survive An Active Shooter Understand the profile of an active shooterActive shooter statistics5 steps to survivalTips to interact with the police and more.

At any level, an activeshooter is essentiallyone bad guy with a gun.Whether he is shootingat hundreds of people, orjust at you, nobody hasmore control over yoursurvival than you do.It can happen anywhere atany time, so preparationand a defensive mindsetare key to your survival!You must be vigilant andprepared!

PROFILE OF AN ACTIVE SHOOTERIdentifying Characteristics Of A Typical Active ShooterThere is no exact profile of an activeshooter, but they do share somecommon characteristics: Desire to end human life or inflictextreme harm on an individual or agroup of people; Look for easy targets andopportunities; Most shooters have NO previousarrests for violent attacks; History of social isolation; and Interaction with mental healthprofessionals.No matter what laws or restrictions arein place, the shooter will always findaccess to weapons, magazines, andammo to carry out their goal.WARNING SIGNSIf you are around a person who: Starts talking about committingacts of violence; Begins making plans to carry outthe act of violence; and Loads up on weapons and ammoquickly.Pay attention and report it!MOTIVATIONReasons vary, but there are someconsistencies. Active shooters often: F eel wronged and want to get revenge; Have severe mental illness; and D esire to make a name for themselves.TARGETED LOCATIONSSource: Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2018

STATISTICS TO KNOWTYPICAL ACTIVE SHOOTER OUTCOMESSource: Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2018An active shooter incident involvesa person or persons whose singleminded purpose is to hurt or kill.They choose confined and populatedareas in order to do the most harm.In most cases, active shooters do notutilize patterns or methods to selecttheir victims.56 percentof active shootingevents are over beforepolice arrive96.2%of active shooterswere maleSource: Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2000-201314 minutesNational average forlaw enforcement toarrive on the scene15 minutesTypical durationof an activeshooter situation

STEP 1: RECOGNIZE AND REACTDon’t allow yourself to be a victim.Ask yourself: have you done everything you can to prepare for survival? In today’sworld, we can no longer go through life without thinking about possible survivalscenarios. You have to be prepared to fight for your life. Even when you areunarmed, you can protect yourself by developing a defensive mindset.Key elements of survival are awareness,knowledge, evasion, and preparation.BE AWARE of your surroundings, ofothers around you, and of uncommonsounds and behaviors. BE PREPAREDto react. Always report suspiciousbehavior.When you first enter a location, identifythe exits, restrooms, windows, andstairwells. Make a quick assessment,develop a plan in your mind, andrehearse it. Ask yourself, “what would Ido?” Devise a plan.think clearly. Having a plan will helpyou react immediately when everysecond counts.If you think you hear unusual sounds,move toward an exit so you can quicklyleave. Always assume it is what youthink it is. Do not wait.98.7%of active shootersacted aloneSource: Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2000-2013If you have to plan your escape duringa stressful event, it is already too late.Stress causes sweating, increased heartrate, dilated pupils, and the inability to“ We are not preparing forthe world we live in—we arepreparing for the world wefind ourselves in.”MICHAEL MABEEVeteran, AuthorPrepping for a Suburban or RuralCommunity: Building a Civil Defense Planfor a Long-Term Catastrophe

STEP 2: RUN AND ESCAPEListen to your intuition. Follow your gut reaction. Act fast.Instinct takes control; use what you’ve gathered from your surroundings, andact on what you know.At the first feeling of danger, react!At the first sign or sound of an activeshooter, run AWAY from the sound ofgunfire. You will hear loud poppingnoises. The louder the noises, the closerthe shooter is to you.Do not hesitate. Move quickly to thenearest exit AWAY from the shooteror noises.Try to get as many people as you canto evacuate with you, but do not letothers slow you down with indecisionor fear. If someone doesn’t evacuate,do NOT wait for them; leave!Leave all personal belongings behindand just run. Forget purses, backpacks,briefcases, and jackets. If you have agun, grab it quickly. Do not go backfor anything!2,217Casualties of an activeshooter incident from2000 to 2017Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2000-2017Remain low or crawl, if necessary.Continue to move toward exits, locatethe closest exit door, stairwell, elevator,or window. Use caution as you enteropen areas.Keep an eye out for approaching lawenforcement and keep your handsopen and above your head with fingersspread out when approaching police.Once in a safe area, use your phone tocall 911.“ A good plan now is a whole lotbetter than a perfect plan anhour from now.”TRENT LOZANOLaw Enforcement Officer

STEP 3: HIDEWhen running or escaping are not options.You’ve tried running to escape the situation without success. What are youravailable options at this point?PICTURE THISAn active shooter is firingrounds towards a crowd ofpeople.All possible exits are eitherblocked, crowded, orinaccessible.If you are in an area where youcannot evacuate safely, hide to thebest of your ability, and fortify yourposition. Think of a way out for whenit becomes safe.Examine the room for possible exitsor available weapons, even alternativeones (e.g., chairs, fire extinguishers,lamps, etc.). Think about what to do todefend yourself if you are found.Coordinate a quick plan if others arein the room with you.Remain out of the shooter’s view.Turn off all lights.Lock all entry points: doors, windows,patios, etc.Hiding and securing yourlocation may be your best betfor survival.Close blinds and window coverings.Cover any glass or windows to obstructthe view inside.Barricade the entry points withlarge, heavy objects such as desks,refrigerators, and sofas. If people arepresent, ask for help to move items.Stay low and hide behind heavy ordense objects, but think about whatyou can do if discovered.Stay quiet and put your phone onSILENT, NOT VIBRATE.Call 911, only if it safe to do so.

STEP 4: FIGHTWhen hiding is no longer an option.Use as a LAST RESORT to defend your life.If you cannot evacuate, after you hideand barricade, you need to beginlooking for ways to defend yourself.Look for edged weapons, blunt objects,fire extinguishers, and of course,firearms. Even if you have a firearm, doNOT go out and attempt to confront orfind the shooter! Stay in your locationand defend the people in your group.Plan your attack with others, if possible.Make assignments if there is time. Beready to throw objects like books,backpacks, staplers, coffee mugs, etc.at the shooter to disorient and possiblyinjure them or to create a diversion.If the shooter enters the room you arein, everyone needs to attack together.Your attack should be VIOLENT andSWIFT! Don’t stop once you start!Remember—survival is key. If youget your hand on the attacker’s gun,control the barrel and direct it towardthe ground. Keep the shooter frompointing the gun at anything other thanthe floor. Stand on the weapon onceit is away from the shooter. Everyoneelse should attack the shooter and takeall weapons from him, as he may havemultiple guns or knives.This is going to be terrifying andchaotic. It will be loud. The gun WILLfire! Count on it! People in your groupWILL be injured.

STEP 5: SURVIVETrust your instincts—take action—survival is your responsibility.Keep a level head and make the right decisions that will keep you alive.Survive for you, your family, your lovedones, and friends. Prevent others fromwalking into the danger zone. Preparea plan with co-workers, practice it inyour mind, and talk with security. Evenif the shooter is neutralized, you willlikely have to remain in place for sometime. Keep calm, help others remaincalm, and care for the wounded asmuch as possible.Avoid common mistakes: Putting yourself in a “corner” withno options to move; Choosing interior seats or themiddle of crowds with no meansto easily escape; Making yourself stand out; Selecting locations with obstaclesblocking your exit route; Trying to take video or pictures; Freezing in place; and Coming into contact with itemsthe shooter leaves behind—therecould be evidence, bombs, moreweapons, ammo, etc.250Active shooterincidents: 2000-2017Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2000-2017On 911 call: Provide location and address; Give quick details of the situation; Share a description of the shooter; State how many shooters arepresent, if possible; and State how many possible injuries.When police arrive: Stay calm; do not raise your voice,point, or scream; Stay still and avoid quickmovements—especially towardofficers; Let them know you are a victim; Cooperate fully; Keep your hands above yourhead with fingers open, and dropanything in your hands such asbags or jackets; and COMPLY WITH ALL COMMANDSIMMEDIATELY.Keep in mind: to the police, everyonecan be a suspect.Due to the nature of the call, everyagency around will respond. You willsee many different uniforms. Lawenforcement will likely be wearingtactical gear with heavy vests andcarrying rifles.

EDUCATION IS YOUR NUMBER ONE DEFENSEDon’t be a helpless bystander.With this Surviving An Active Shooter Incident: 5 Steps to Stay Alive, you now havethe knowledge to better ensure your survival should you ever find yourself in themidst of an active shooter.TOPICS LEARNEDRECOGNIZE AND REACT“You may be out-manned and outgunned, but keep your wits about you,evaluate your surroundings, and youWILL have a better chance at makingit home.”RUN AND ESCAPEKIRK EVANSAct fastPresident, U.S. LawShield HIDECome and join us for an active shooter seminar soyou can learn more about how to protect yourselfand have all of your questions answered.ACTIVE SHOOTER PROFILEThere is no definitive set of characteristicsLOCATIONS AND OUTCOMESAlways have a planDevelop a defensive mindsetSecure your position, look for an exitFIGHTShould be your last resortSURVIVEAvoid mistakes to stay aliveReceive real-life knowledge and guidance fromlaw enforcement professionals trained to handlethese life-threatening situations. Then, learn fromexperienced Independent Program Attorneys asthey explain how to navigate the legal aftermathof an incident.LESSONS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOMEMPOWERING YOU WITH THE SKILLS TO PRESERVE YOUR LIFE

What it all comes downto is you making itback home alive. Youdeserve that momentat the end of every day,but obtaining it is yourresponsibility. Be awareand be prepared.

Surviving An Active Shooter Incident: 5 Steps to Stay Alive, you now have the knowledge to better ensure your survival should you ever find yourself in the midst of an active shooter. LESSONS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM. EMPOWERING YOU WITH