Situational awareness is something easy, thankfully- with just a few quick steps, you can easily increase your safety.
Take note of entrances and exits
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Whenever you enter a space, it is always a good idea to notice the points of exit. Pay attention to the exits closest to you, how easily you can access them in the event of an emergency, and if there is any sort of coverage for you on your way to the exit. It is always better to run than hide. Shooting a moving target is much more difficult. Sadly, a lot of people try and take cover and instead, become trapped. Unfortunately, reports of witnesses said that in the El Paso Walmart terrorist attack, the shooter shot people who were hiding execution style. At Columbine, most of the deaths occurred in the library where students tried to hide. Make a plan in your head about how you will safely and quickly exit. Strategize for each exit you see. However, it is also important to take note of the entrances, as this is where in the event of a shooting, the perpetrator will likely enter from. Try and sit where you can observe both the entrances and the exits, and take note of anyone or anything suspicious.
Hide as a last resort
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If you absolutely must hide, and cannot flee, then do it effectively. Attempt to barricade yourself in a location where you have access to objects that can neutralize the shooter (furniture or heavy objects such as fire extinguishers). Turn off all the lights if you are in a room, stay low to the ground and away from windows or doors. If you are with other people, disperse yourselves so the shooter cannot shoot all of you at once in one place. Be sure to also turn off your cell phones, watches, or any other electronics that can make noise. If you tilt your head back, it will make your breathing quieter. Stay calm and be ready to take action.
See something, say something
Department of Defense
If something does not feel right to you, speak up. It may just save your life or someone else's. Backpacks or other bags left unattended should always be a red flag. Keep an eye out for this and report it to an authority figure. If you believe you are in immediate danger, then call 911. We have instincts for a reason. They are to keep us safe. Gavin de Becker, security expert, wrote a book called "The Gift of Fear" which describes how our instincts are designed to protect us. Instincts are primal, innate, and override cognitive distortions such as "the odds of this happening are so low" or "surely it wouldn't happen here". I'm sure the people in El Paso, Dayton, Jacksonville, Orlando, Charleston, Newtown, Parkland, Virginia Beach, and Columbine never imagined it would happen in their town either. It can happen anywhere, at any time, to any one. So the best way to stay safe is to stay vigilant!
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