What to do during a mass shooting

GLENDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — As chaos unfolded after a deadly shooting at a family event in Glendale over the weekend, retired law enforcement officers are giving advice on what to do if you and your family are caught up in a similar situation.

“I don’t mean be paranoid … Just be aware of your surroundings,” Retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent Lance Leising said.

Leising says it is always best to be prepared for anything when going to an event. If you’re in a situation where shots are fired, the FBI recommends three things: run, hide, and fight.

“Run is your highest probability of surviving an active shooter event. Get away from the threat. Separate yourself from the threat and get away. That sounds so simple, but a lot of people don’t do it,” said Leising.

He recommends spotting the nearest exits as you get to the event. Do your best to remain calm, as it’s easy to fall into a state of helplessness and freeze.

If running isn’t an option, the next one is to hide. Don’t just hide anywhere; find a place you can close off and barricade. Leising said a shooter tends not to waste time trying to get into difficult areas.

“They know they don’t have much time. The police are coming very soon. They know it’s going to be over quickly. So, they’re looking for quick efforts. If you can get in the room, lock the door, turn off the lights, be quiet, it makes it look like nobody’s in there. That’s a good way to survive,” he said.

When situations like this happen, getting information to police is key, according to retired police chief Stan Kephart. He said once you feel you are in a safe place away from the shooter, call 911.

“We need your help in these kinds of circumstances. The information that you, as a potential victim who survived, can provide, although it may seem to you like other people will call that, don’t assume that. Call it in. Please help us to help you,” Kephart said.

The last option the FBI recommends is to fight, but this option, according to both Leising and Kephart, should only be an option if you feel your life is threatened, and when running or hiding is not an option.

If you are at an event with a group, both recommend that you always decide on a meet-up spot beforehand, like the car or a store nearby, in case something happens and you get separated.

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