How to Protect Yourself During Mass Shooting?
The United States of America is one of the countries that have some of the most lenient rules on gun violence in the world. That is the reason there are several of gun violence happening in the US. Although controlling gun violence is completely out of our control, we still need to protect ourselves if we ever come into such a situation.
In the US, many institutions, companies, and businesses hire security guard services to protect the people, but when it comes to emergencies, you can only count on yourself. So here, United Security Services provides practical tips for protecting yourself in a shootout.
How to protect yourself in shootouts
Check the entrance and exit
- Consider potential areas of escape in active shooter situations. A shooting often occurs in enclosed settings where access is somewhat limited.
- As individuals scramble to flee, the mayhem that typically follows the shooting can be confusing. A brief mental note of your surroundings can be helpful; being aware of different exits could mean the difference between life and death.
Know your surroundings
- Be mindful of your surroundings and those around you as you carry out your daily responsibilities. Be alert for any shady behavior or anything that doesn’t seem to blend in.
- For instance, if someone is wearing a bulky jacket in hot weather, they possibly can be concealing weapons and ammunition underneath.
Stay calm
- This piece of advice is valued yet disregarded at difficult times. Your capacity to reason clearly and rationally is lost when you are in a panic. When you panic, you contribute to the issue rather than find a solution.
- We know it’s difficult to remain calm while in danger, but it’s important to be calm before considering how to get out of the situation. Using impulsive, knee-jerk reactions might not be the best course of action; keep in mind that the gunman anticipates turmoil, so don’t feed them.
Find cover
- Run smartly if you want to leave; otherwise, you can unintentionally attract the shooter’s attention and wind up in his sights. Use your surroundings to your advantage as you duck and drop to avoid being shot.
- Find the cover that will deflect bullets; if that isn’t possible, search for a location to conceal yourself, even if it’s not the best cover. Keep in mind that if you’re hidden, the shooter won’t be thinking about you as a target. Stay low to the ground and move in the prone position.
Escape at the right time
- Blindly running in at a shot of a gun will make a big mess. Remember that some people will freeze in these circumstances; take leadership and force people to go with you. When you hear gunfire, look for a way out opposite the direction of the firing.
- Call 911 as quickly as you can as you leave, and inform anyone you may come across along the road. Under no circumstances enter the building before law enforcement officials give you the all-clear. Lock the doors if you cannot exit the building and stay low until help arrives.
Counter
- This should be your last resort. This is taught to many security guards in San Diego, Riverside, and in almost every county and state. Fighting with an armed person while being unarmed is crazy. But sometimes, a situation may call for it.
- Grab any melee weapon that you can use to fight back. Don’t go running towards them. They can easily shoot you down. In these times, always remember, it’s either you or them, so strike at weak spots like the head, neck, wrist, or anything that can give them a thriving pain and you a chance to escape.
Many security guard services train their staff in unarmed battles, so security guards can also help you stay safe in this situation. Keep your safety in your own hands.