An active shooter situation is a very scary and dangerous event that can happen very quickly. To keep yourself and others safe, it’s important to be ready and know what to do in a situation like this. Knowing what to do during an active shooter event in Pennsylvania can help save lives. The “Run, Hide, Fight” plan is a big part of active shooter safety in PA, and you need to know each step so you can act quickly in an emergency.
Run: Get Out if You Can
If you are in a place where there is an active shooter, your first priority should be to get away from the danger zone. Run to a safe place as quickly as you can if there is a way to do so. Get people to run away with you, but don’t wait for them if they don’t want to. Leave your personal items behind because they can slow you down. As soon as you get to a safe place, call 911 and tell them what’s going on, giving them as much information as you can.
Hide: Look for a Safe Place
If you can’t get away safely, the next thing to do is hide. Find a place where you can lock yourself in or block yourself off. Find a room with a door that you can close and lock if you can. If you can, turn off the lights and your phone to avoid being seen. Stay low and quiet. The goal is to hide from the shooter and keep yourself safe until help comes.
Fight: Only Use Self-Defense as a Last Resort
You may have to fight if there is no other way out and you are face-to-face with the shooter. Use anything you can find to protect yourself, like a chair, a fire extinguisher, or even a laptop. The goal is to stop the shooter or take away their weapons so that you and others can get away or protect yourselves. You should always think of fighting as a last resort.
Questions and Answers
Q: What does the Run, Hide, Fight plan say?
A: The Run, Hide, Fight strategy tells you what to do if there is an active shooter. If you can, run to safety first. If you can’t, hide. If you see the shooter, fight.
Q: How do I keep my cool when there is an active shooter?
A: It’s very important to stay calm. Stay aware of what’s going on, think about your options, and use the Run, Hide, Fight strategy. You can react better if you take deep breaths and keep your mind on what you’re doing.
Q: What should I do when I get to a safe place?
A: Call 911 right away if you are in a safe place. Give them as much information as possible about the location, the number of shooters, and any other details that might help law enforcement respond.
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