What guidelines should be followed during potential active shooter situations?

The recommended response during potential active shooter situations is to run, hide, and fight for safety. This approach prioritizes personal safety and encourages individuals to quickly assess their environment.

Running is the first option because it allows individuals to escape the danger if a safe route is available. The focus is on getting away from the threat quickly and efficiently, as this can significantly increase the chances of survival.

If running is not possible, hiding becomes the next best option. This involves finding a secure location where one can shield themselves from the shooter, ideally while remaining quiet and out of sight. In this instance, it’s critical to ensure that the hiding place is well-concealed and that there are no obvious exits that could expose an individual to the shooter.

The fighting aspect is emphasized as a last resort if confronted by the shooter with no other options available. This should only be considered when one’s life is in imminent danger and there are no prospects for escape or hiding.

This three-step method is informed by expert recommendations for maximizing safety during active shooter incidents, highlighting proactive measures (running), cautious planning (hiding), and self-defense (fighting) as necessary. Other options, such as staying silent in a corner without taking proactive steps or confronting the shooter directly,