Active Shooter Tools

Since active shooter situations develop so quickly and provide little or no warning, it can be difficult to prepare for them. At the YMCA of Central Ohio, we prefer to educate staff in all options that may be available to them in case they ever find themselves in this crisis situation. Our chosen protocol is the "Run, Hide, Fight" philosophy where staff would then have to choose the best option available to them at the time of the event. This would also work in collaboration with our Lockdown, Lockout, Shelter in Place procedures (Standard Respond Protocol).

The Best Option in an active shooter situation – Evacuate (RUN)

The best option in an active shooter scenario is to flee the premises and remove yourself from the shooter’s path. Unfortunately, this is not always a viable option as escaping could put you in greater danger if it brings you closer to the shooter. There are a few precautions you should take if, after assessing the situation, you determine you can safely evacuate. You should:

• *Call 911 if you can do so safely.

• *Warn any individuals you encounter to not enter the area.

• *Leave your personal belongings behind.

• *Have your escape route planned in your mind.

• *Resist the urge to move or evacuate wounded people.

• *If possible, assist other able-bodied people in fleeing.

• *Comply with all law enforcement requests.

• *Keep your hands visible and your fingers spread.

Next Best Option – HIDE

If you are unable to safely evacuate the path of an active shooter your next best option is to hide, avoid detection, and wait for law enforcement to arrive. While hiding is not as effective as evacuation, it can usually keep you safe long enough for law enforcement to arrive. Hiding can be dangerous though as it can leave you trapped if the shooter were to discover your location. To ensure your hiding spot is as safe as possible please consider the following recommendations:

• *Remain silent and still.

• *Silence your cell phone and other electronic devices.

• *If possible, lock the door to whatever room or closet you are hiding in. Do not unlock the door for anyone at any time. Tell the police that you will wait for them to retrieve a key to the room.

• *Blockade the door with heavy furniture.

• *Make sure you remain out of the shooter’s view.

• *Stay away from any windows.

• *If the windows are equipped with curtains, close them.

• *Remain low and attempt to find cover under furniture or other objects.

• *Do not leave your hiding place until you are absolutely certain law enforcement has arrived.

Last Resort – FIGHT

Occasionally, in active shooter situations, evacuation and hiding are not available options and you may find yourself face-to-face with the shooter. If you find yourself in this situation, your only remaining option is to take physical action against the shooter in hopes of incapacitating them or disarming them. This should be considered an extreme last resort, but if you decide attacking the shooter is your only option consider the following strategies:

• *Act quickly; hesitation could get you killed.

• *Throw items to distract, disorient, or disarm the shooter.

• *Yell and wave your arms to startle the shooter.

Important Active Shooter Tips for Staff:

Official Run, Hide, Fight Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VcSwejU2D0

Department of Homeland Security Video on Ordinary People, Extraordinary Events: (Behavior reporting)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmdwOqpWv44

Houston Run, Hide, Fight video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VcSwejU2D0

Options for consideration:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI5EoWBRYmo&feature=youtu.be