What Would You Do In An Active Shooter Situation?

CHARLOTTE, NC.–Shootings in public places are a sad reality in our country. Safety experts say preparation is key to surviving active shooting situations.

When a mass shooting like the one in Florida happens, most of people have the same reaction.

“Oh no not again. We’ve been through this so many times. and this hits us all,” says Former FBI assistant director Chris Swecker.

What would you do in an active shooter situation? When every second counts.

“If you can buy yourself 5 to 6 minutes your likelihood of survival is going to go way up.” Officer Johnathan Frisk with CMPD’s Crime Prevention Unit.

Experts say you shouldn’t hide. Follow the ABC’S: Avoid, barricade and counter.

“If that’s using a door, using different props, or chairs or tables or anything you can use if you’re in a room where you’re at barricade yourself, and buy yourself more time,” says officer Frisk.

Personal safety expert and WCCB News Edge contributor Ryan Hoover says it’s also important to know how and when to fight back.

“As a teacher I should be standing inside of that door way and if they’re able to come through that door, I should be in a position where I can grab the gun, tackle them,” says Hoover.

Swecker says schools should have a specific plan and be practicing it at least twice a year.

“Every school should have a security plan that is well known, posted in a place that is very conspicuous, in every classroom, in every building in every room.”

Swecker also says every school should also have a threat assessment team, because he says most children who pose a threat, show warning signs.

“It’s guns, it’s bombs, it’s conversations about threats, it’s posting on social media, it manifests itself in their lives and people who are close to them can see it and actually do something about it.”

Experts say training teachers, janitors and administrators trauma care is something to consider. If you’re interested in active shooter training, contact CMPD.