Neighbor News
Florida security expert Jay Hart talks active shooting situations
With the recent Milwaukee Molson Coors tragedy, it is a good idea to know what you could expect and what you should do if threatened.
Given the recent shooting in Milwaukee, where five brewery employees were killed before the shooter, also a brewery employee, took his own life, active shooting situations are once again the topic of public conversation. Jay Hart, a 30-year veteran of the Florida police force and security expert, discusses what civilians can do to survive an active shooter situation.
It’s closer to home than you may think
In 2019, there were 434 mass shootings. This is an average of 1.19 mass shootings per day. In these shootings, 1,643 people were injured and 517 died, for a total of 2,160 victims. Given those statics, unfortunately we are faced with the possibility that we will be involved in an active shooting situation.
Be aware and prepared to escape
Workplace violence is on the rise and, unfortunately, training in the workplace only leads to the shooter knowing exactly what the plan is. Every individual needs to have an escape route and plan based on their location in the building and emergency exits. The goal is to get out of the building and get out of harm’s way.
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This applies to public spaces too. If you’re headed to a mall or the movie theater, know where the nearest exits are so you can use them in any emergency, not just an active shooter situation.
There are also courses in most areas people can take. Many of these are taught by retired cops. Google “training, self-defense, active shooter” for your area. That should give you some good options.
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What you can do
If you can escape undetected then it's always best to remove yourself from the situation. Your next best bet is to hide. Make yourself as small as possible and wait it out until the cops arrive and the situation has been resolved.
Your goal in an active shooter situation should be to avoid the shooter and wait for help. If you have a cell phone on you, you should dial 911 and try to give them as much information as possible about where the shooter is located in the building.
It’s never a good idea to try to confront the shooter yourself. But if you know the shooter and have no other options, try to connect with them as best you can. You may be able to stall them for a bit and give the first responders a chance to intervene.
If you find yourself injured, the most important thing is to stay calm. If you’re panicking, your heart rate will increase which lends itself to more bleeding. Stay calm and try to get out of the way of the shooter. Hide if you can and wait for help.
If you find yourself in a situation where another person needs help, you’re going to have to make some quick decisions, because helping others could cost you your life. It’s a very personal decision that you may have to make. Keep the above advice in mind: Escape if possible, hide if you can.
Stay down so first responders can respond
First responders are taught to confront the shooter as quickly as possible. Since the Columbine incident, departments around the country have been trained to enter a building and not wait for back up — search and seek the shooter and take them out as soon as possible.
Civilians need to hide and take cover, and if possible, dial 911 and describe to the dispatcher where in the building the shooter is.
The good guy with the gun
It's been said many times, the only thing that takes out a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. It's especially dangerous in areas where there are posted signs “GUN FREE ZONE.” This is telling the bad guy that the sheep are defenseless — come on in we cannot protect ourselves.
As a retired police officer I am very cautious when entering these areas. I won't say whether I carry my gun in these areas, but somebody has to protect the people.
