In Wake Of Shootings, Police Offer Active Shooter Survival Tips

HUNTERSVILLE, NC — In the wake of violent mass shootings in Texas and Ohio this past weekend, Huntersville Police Department is offering tips that it says will help in an active shooter incident.

Dozens of people were shot and 22 left dead after a rifle-wielding gunman began firing an AK-47 style weapon inside a busy Walmart in El Paso Saturday. Hours later, in Dayton, Ohio, a similar attack was carried out when a gunman wearing body armor began shooting inside a bar district around 1 a.m. early Sunday morning, killing nine people and wounding 27.

“Unfortunately, this is something we must all train for, therefore, you should be prepared,” Huntersville Police Department said Monday.

HPD offers an active shooter class for residents, called “Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE).” The class is offered free to any business, church, group or person.

“We hope that no one is ever in this situation, but you must prepare yourself for the worst case scenario.”

Here are some things HPD says to do in the event of an active shooter:

• AVOID: Always be aware of your surroundings. DON'T HESITATE! If it sounds like fireworks, and it is not the time or place for it, it is more than likely NOT FIREWORKS. Repeated loud bangs are likely gunfire. Get to your closest, or safest, exit. Try to use cover and concealment while fleeing to avoid being struck.
• DENY: If you can't avoid, deny the shooter access to your location. Lock doors or place heavy objects in front of it to slow down the shooter. Turn off lights and get out of sight. Make sure you have a back-up plan!
• DEFEND: If you can't avoid or deny, then you have a LEGAL RIGHT TO DEFEND YOURSELF if someone is trying to kill you! DON'T FIGHT FAIR and be AGGRESSIVE! Do not stop attacking until you have controlled the shooter.
• Once you are in a safe location, dial 9-1-1. Provide as much information as possible. If you don't know the answer to something the dispatcher is asking, DON'T GUESS! Only give the facts.
• When police arrive, they are arriving on a chaotic scene and their first priority is to locate and neutralize the threat. Be sure to follow police commands, show your hands when asked to do so and do not move if asked.