An active shooter situation is terrifying and unpredictable. In just a few seconds, everything can change. Whether you’re at work, school, a store, or any public place, knowing how to react quickly can save your life, and possibly others around you.
The first 10 seconds are the most critical. That’s when your brain goes from confusion to action. This article gives you simple and clear tips on what to do in those first moments. Remember, staying calm and making fast choices can make all the difference.
1. Recognize the Sound
Gunshots can be loud, sharp, and sudden. But in busy places, they may be mistaken for fireworks, dropped items, or other noises. The faster you recognize the sound of gunfire, the faster you can react. If you hear loud popping sounds and people are panicking or running, treat it as real. Don’t waste time trying to confirm! Act immediately.
2. Don’t Freeze
It’s common to freeze when something shocking happens. But during an active shooter event, freezing can be dangerous. If your body locks up, remind yourself to move, even one step at a time. Tell yourself out loud, “I need to move now.” This small action can break the freeze response and help your brain switch to survival mode.
3. Decide Fast: Run, Hide, or Fight
Most experts recommend the “Run, Hide, Fight” strategy in that order. Decide quickly based on your location and what’s happening around you:
- Run if you can safely get away.
- Hide if escape isn’t possible.
- Fight only as a last resort, and only if you are in direct danger.
Trust your instincts. You may only have seconds to make a choice.
4. Run Away from the Danger
If you can run without crossing the shooter’s path, do it. Don’t stop to grab your phone, bag, or belongings. Move quickly, stay low, and use walls or objects for cover. Try not to run in a straight line. Head toward exits or other safe areas, even if that means breaking a window or using a back door.
Tell others to follow you, but don’t wait if they hesitate. Your safety comes first.
5. Hide Smart, Not Just Anywhere
If you can’t run, find a place to hide that is out of sight and offers protection. Avoid open spaces and flimsy cover. Lock or block doors if you can. Turn off the lights and stay quiet. Silence your phone, even vibration can give away your location.
Hide behind solid objects like filing cabinets, desks, or walls. Stay low to the ground and avoid doorways or windows.
6. Silence Can Save You
Noise can attract attention, so be as silent as possible. Mute your phone, turn off music, and avoid whispering unless absolutely necessary. Let your breathing slow down to stay quiet and calm. If you’re hiding with others, use hand signals instead of talking.
Remember: staying hidden and unheard can be the key to staying safe until help arrives.
7. Help Others Only If It’s Safe
If someone near you is frozen, injured, or confused, help them if it won’t put you at greater risk. Offer short, clear commands like “Follow me” or “Stay low.” But never return to the danger zone to assist someone unless you are trained and it’s truly safe.
Helping others is admirable, but your first duty is to survive.
8. Call 911 When You’re Safe
Once you are away from danger or well-hidden, call 911. Give as much information as possible:
- Your exact location
- Description of the shooter (clothes, gender, weapons)
- Number of people involved or injured
- Any sounds you heard (number of shots, direction, etc.)
Keep the call short and stay on the line if they ask you to. If you can’t talk, use text or any emergency alert app available.
9. Prepare Mentally in Advance
This may not sound like a first-10-second tip, but being mentally prepared helps you act faster in the moment. Visualize how you’d escape from your office, school, or favorite store. Know where exits are and think through hiding spots.
Being mentally ready shortens reaction time, and that can make a life-saving difference.
10. Commit to Survive
If there is no way to run or hide, and the shooter confronts you directly, you may have to fight back. Use anything you can, a fire extinguisher, chair, scissors, and act with full force. This is your last option. You don’t need to be strong; you just need to be determined. Commit to survive.
Working with others to disarm or distract the shooter can also increase your chances.
Conclusion
An active shooter situation can be over in minutes, or even seconds. That’s why the first 10 seconds matter so much. In those moments, your choices can save your life and the lives of people around you.
Stay alert in public spaces, know your surroundings, and mentally walk through your plan often. While we hope you’ll never face such a situation, being prepared is the best way to protect yourself. With calm thinking, fast action, and smart decisions, you can survive even the most dangerous moments.
