In this article
During an attack in a public place, choices depend on the threat’s location, usable exits and the abilities of those present. Escaping, sheltering and alerting provide useful principles but guarantee no outcome. Instructions from the venue and emergency services remain essential.
Prepare without constant anticipation
When arriving at a place, locate exits and signs, as for a fire evacuation. Identify the staff members to request information from. Reasonable observation does not require monitoring people according to their appearance or seeking to interpret all of their behaviors.
As a family, agree to simple instructions to follow an adult and ask for help. Exercises should be announced, age-appropriate and supervised. A surprise simulation or traumatic images are not necessary to learn a meeting point or an instruction to leave.
Leave when a route leads away from danger
If a passable exit allows you to leave the threat, move away without delaying the departure to recover property. Avoid moving towards the sounds or returning to film. Help people you can accompany without creating extra exposure, and don’t force a route that has become dangerous.
Once outside, continue to a safe place rather than stopping in front of the exit. Do not block emergency access. If you have useful information about the danger zone, pass it on to the authorities from a protected position.
Shelter when leaving is not possible
Look for a space out of sight of the threat, access to which can be secured under the conditions of the place. Reduce unnecessary noise and signals from the phone when relevant. A closed door or furniture is not a guarantee of protection; the situation may change.
Avoid posting your position and that of others on social media. Follow the instructions of the relevant services and send the requested information when you can do it safely. Don’t leave a shelter to check for an unconfirmed rumor or notification yourself.
Give useful facts when alerting
When you are safe and able to communicate, call the local emergency number. Give the precise location, what you have directly observed, the known direction of the threat and immediate needs. Distinguish observation and reported information. Answer the questions rather than trying to produce a complete narrative.
A call should not keep you exposed. If a person cannot speak or hear, the options available vary by service and country; inquire before an emergency. Do not assume that a message sent through a general-purpose app reaches emergency services.
Understand Run-Hide-Fight and ALICE
The FBI presents Run-Hide-Fight as survival options against an active shooter. Fighting is a last resort when life is in imminent danger, not an invitation to seek out the aggressor. This article does not describe any disarmament technique or improvised collective action.
ALICE stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate. The training provider presents several options and not a rigid sequence to execute in this order. Reading names does not replace training tailored to the building, people and local procedures. Do not impose a program found online at a school or workplace without its supervision.
When police arrive and after the event
Keep your hands visible and follow the instructions, without sudden movement or objects that can cause confusion. First responders may need to secure the threat before taking care of all needs. Do not run towards them holding an object or to interrupt their progress.
Once the area is safe, ask for an injury assessment and appropriate assistance. Do not expose people again to retrieve belongings. Give news by the agreed means and avoid disseminating identifying images of victims. Psychosocial support can be helpful after the event, even when physical injuries appear minor.
References: FBI: A Guide to Reaction · ALICE , presentation of the programme.