What should you do in an active shooter situation?
In order of preference, police say running, hiding and fighting are three options that people have.
- Also: Call 9-1-1
As reports of mass shootings continue to seemingly dominate headlines routinely, there's a natural question that's undoubtedly popped into the heads of many, particularly in the last couple of days as news of the massacre in San Bernardino, California has unfolded:
"What would I do if I were in that situation?"
According to Lt. Donna Seyferth with the Rockledge Police Department, people have three options, in order of preference, the first of which is to flee the scene completely.
"If it is possible for them to flee, flight is a good option. Leave your stuff and just go if that is an option," said Seyferth.
If fleeing is not an option, Seyferth says that "we recommend trying to find some place to hide and take cover."
Finally, if neither of those choices are viable, she says people have to fight.
"Force is never pretty but if you don't have an option, we tell people fight," said Seyferth. "That means picking up whatever weapon of opportunity is available whether it be in the office and it's a stapler…Whatever you can get your hands on with whatever you can do the most damage so you can fight."
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Additionally, she adds that those involved should call 9-1-1.
If they can call 9-1-1, absolutely please do," Seyferth added. "If you can't, if it's not something where you can talk. Leave the phone open so that the operators can hear what's going on."
On November 17, the Rockledge Police Department and Brevard EOC jointly held a four-hour active shooter preparedness class to discuss how people should handle mass casualty and shooting situations.
"Whoever thought that we would second-guess going to a movie theater on a Friday or Saturday night?" said RPD Sgt. Chris Cochie during his lecture to the crowd, as many agreed that they, too, had done the same.
Seyferth adds that given the interest in that class and the magnitude of the events that unfortunately continue to occur that more such classes are likely to be held in the future.
"I should imagine yes because I think it's going to continue to hit home to everybody involved," Seyferth added. "It could be you. It could be me. It could be any one of us."
Contact Bonanno at 321-242-3662, cbonanno@floridatoday.com or follow Chris on Twitter @FTChrisBonanno.
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