In the aftermath of July’s mass shooting event in Aurora, Colo., the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Public Safety, in conjunction with Homeland Security, released an informational video entitled “Run. Hide. Fight. Surviving an Active Shooter Event” that provides key steps individuals should take if they encounter an active shooter.
Active shooter events are unpredictable, motives are different, and warning signs may vary, but the video emphasizes three things citizens can do to increase chances of safety and survival:
run, hide, or fight.
Though produced for citizens in the Houston area, Capt. Ann Mannix of SFPD’s Northern Station saw the video and recommends it to San Francisco residents as well.
“Unfortunately these horrific events seem to keep happening,” said Captain Mannix. “I thought it was a pretty good video and am sharing it with all of you – feel free to share it with others.”
The video encourages citizens to evaluate a shooting situation and:
- Run if a safe path is available. Always try to escape or evacuate even if others insist on staying.
- Encourage others to leave with you but do not let the indecision of others slow down your own effort to escape.
- Once you are out of the line of fire, try to prevent others from walking into the danger zone, and call 911.
- If you cannot get out safely, find a place to hide.
- When hiding, turn out lights, remember to lock doors, and silence the ringer and vibration modes on your cell phone.
- As a last resort, working together or alone, act with aggression, use improvised weapons, and fight.
You can watch the video online at http://youtu.be/5VcSwejU2D0.
