FBI Video: How to Survive a Mass Shooting

By PAIGE AUSTIN (Patch Staff)

The San Bernardino mass shooting on Dec. 3, was the 355th in the United States as of Dec. 7, in 2015, according to Mass Shooting Tracker.

Americans are living in a time and place where schools prepare children to survive shootings, where media coverage of mass murders has become routine. It’s an era where national and local law enforcement ask residents to prepare themselves for the possibility of an attack in schools, at work, movie theaters or shopping malls.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has released a video showing you how to survive if it happens to you.

According to the FBI, “There are three things you can do to make a difference: run, hide, fight.”

RUN

If you can escape, you should. The FBI advises, “Always try and escape or evacuate, even when others insist on staying. Encourage others to leave with you, but don’t let them slow you down with indecision.”

• If there is an escape path, attempt to evacuate.
• Evacuate whether others agree to or not.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Help others escape if possible.
• Prevent others from entering the area.
• Call 9-1-1 when you are safe.

HIDE

If an evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide.

• Lock and/or blockade the door.
• Silence your cell phone.
• Hide behind large objects.
• Remain very quiet.

Your hiding place should: be out of the shooter’s view, provide protection if shots are fired in your direction, not trap or restrict your options for movement.

FIGHT

Fight as a last resort, and only if your life’s in danger:

• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
• Act with physical aggression.
• Improvise weapons.
• Commit to your actions.

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