Active Shooter: Part 1 Escape – Toolbox Talk

Escaping is one of your best options if you have a safe path away from the active shooter or into a secure location. Do not attempt to escape if you do not know where the threat is located. Stay calm so you can think clearly in order to improve your chances of escaping. Visualize your movement in advance. Whenever you are inside a building, always know the escape routes you can take in the event that someone starts shooting or some other disaster occurs. You should take the time to plan ahead by knowing your surroundings. Know at least two exits out of the room or building. This includes emergency exits, stairwells, and windows. In general, you will want to go to the nearest exit, but you must also understand that the
closest exit may not be accessible or the safest route. If this is the case, proceed to a different exit or any other path that will lead you out of the building. Most active shooters use the building as a natural barrier from law enforcement response.

If the incident is occurring outside, look for a structure to seek shelter in or use as protection while you increase the distance between the threat and yourself. Immediately, move quickly in a zigzag pattern away from the area. Quickly check corners and intersections before you move into or through them. Be sure to leave your belongings behind; help others escape if possible, but do not attempt to provide first aid or move wounded people. Due to the nature of how quickly an active shooter incident takes place, every second counts towards increasing your ability to escape and survive. In order to survive, you need to focus on self-preservation first. Do not wait for others, but encourage them to leave also. Get as far away as you can.

Once you are in a safe place, contact law enforcement personnel. Escaping should always be your first priority, but what happens when you hear gunshots close by and you are unable to escape? Your second course of action should be to hide.

To view the next strategy in Active Shooter situation, find the Active Shooter: Hide – Toolbox Talk.

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