Being caught in an active shooter situation can be a terrifying experience. If you own a gun and have taken a self-defense class, you might feel mentally and physically equipped to handle this type of threat. You can use this to your advantage by teaching your loved ones how to cope in the event that they encounter a shooter. Here are the steps to take.
How to Prepare for an Active Shooter Situation
1. Stay Calm
It’s difficult to maintain a sense of calm in such a frightening situation, but it helps to remember that you can think more clearly when you breathe through the moment and remain centered. Being aware of the environment and your surroundings will help you stay focused on what you have to do. Don’t scream, as this may draw attention to you in a moment when you want to remain as inconspicuous as possible.
2. Seek Cover
Creating as much distance as possible between you and the shooter could be life-saving. Don’t stop to gather your possessions. One of the first points you’ll learn in a self-defense class is that you and your loved ones should get as far away from the incident as you can.
If that’s not possible, hide in the nearest practical location. If you’re behind a door, barricade it with a heavy object, like a piece of furniture. Keep your children close to your body at all times.
3. Remain Quiet
If you’re in the same vicinity as the shooter, it’s crucial to remain as quiet as possible. Silence your cell phone so there’s no way to alert the culprit to your presence. If there are any other sources of sound nearby, like televisions or radios, turn those off.
Children are especially likely to make noise, and this can be difficult to control. It helps to discuss possible situations in advance and to explain that if there’s ever an emergency, they should always follow your cue and stay as quiet as they can.
4. Create an Exit Plan
It’s helpful to create an exit plan to use in familiar environments, like schools and offices. Identify the nearest exit spots in these locations. Find out from teachers or administrators whether the school has a self-defense plan in place for children. Discuss everything at length as a family. While the reality of the situation may be scary, having a plan can help bring some peace of mind.
Staying safe in emergency situations often comes down to last-minute decisions. Taking a self-defense class through Runenation in Gilsum, NH, may help bolster your confidence during those difficult moments. The skilled professionals offer comprehensive firearms training courses, along with the option to receive remote coaching. Visit the website for more information, or call (781) 346-9839 to speak with a representative. You can also visit their YouTube channel to learn more about them.