Just like having a fire safety plan or severe weather plan, it’s time to start thinking about creating an active shooter safety plan as well.
I know it’s hard to fathom the need for such a plan, but as I write this, there have been more than 250 mass shootings across our country, and we are only a little more than half way through 2022.
Trust me, I’d rather be writing about back-to-school tips and summer vacation recaps, but as we prepare to go to Disneyworld, my wife and I are talking about plans of action if something goes down at the Happiest Place on Earth. I’ve seen this conversation really start to evolve on social media and am learning just like you are.
Questions like, where’s our homebase if something happens? Are now as common as what rollercoaster should we ride first? Bummer, I know. While the likelihood of something happening is still relatively low, preparation is paramount.
“Dealing with active shooters and having a plan is an absolute necessity,” said Director of Child Life Education at Church Health Kimberly Baker. “I know from a variety of areas of my life, whether it be sporting events, music events, theater, or work settings, there’s always a plan.”
But what’s included in an active shooter safety plan?
According to the FBI, an active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area, and recent active shooter incidents have underscored the need for a coordinated response by law enforcement and others to save lives.
In their educational video Run. Hide. Fight., they feature a dramatization of an active shooting situation at a restaurant where they outline what to do.
RUN:
- Wherever you go, be aware of alternate exits. Quickly and cautiously evacuate in a direction away from the attacker.
- Don't hesitate. Seconds matter.
- Remember windows and emergency exits.
- Leave belongings behind.
- Keep your empty hands raised and clearly visible when exiting a building.
- Follow all instructions from the police.
- Don't stop until you're sure you've reached a safe location.
HIDE:
- If there is no safe escape route, find a good hiding place.
- Lock and barricade the door.
- Silence cell phones.
- Prepare a defense plan.
FIGHT:
- Fight only as a last resort.
- Use available objects as improvised weapons.
- Use teamwork and surprise. A coordinated ambush can incapacitate an attacker.
- You're fighting for your life. Don't fight fair!
For local lawyer and musician David Bell, who recently took his family to a music festival, having these important conversations can put children at ease.
“The main discussions we were having were to find a meeting place — one inside the venue and one right outside,” he said. “That way, we could feel secure about where we would find each other. We walked to where the medical tent was so they would know that was a safe space, as well as identifying where the security hub was so they knew where to get help. The girls seemed to feel much more at ease knowing where to get help and where to meet.”
David also said, “that if you see a gun, something is wrong and to run and get help.”
God knows, none of this is easy and it’s quite disconcerting, but just like having a fire plan or severe weather plan, having an active shooter safety plan could also save your life.
Jeff Hulett is a freelance writer, musician, and PR consultant in Memphis. He lives in the Vollintine Evergreen neighborhood with his wife Annie, two girls Ella and Beatrice, and dog Chalupa.