How to Survive a Public Shooting

How to Survive a Public Shooting

Published July, 2012

            With the increasing frequency of public shootings, such as the ones in Tuscaloosa, and Aurora, Colorado, I have become concerned for the safety of my family and myself at crowded, public gatherings.  I have always envisioned these scenarios, wondered what I would do, and have formulated a plan of action.  To me, that is not paranoia, but being prepared, which is key, as any Boy Scout will tell you, for success in any of life's circumstances.

            The possibility of being involved in a public shooting is virtually nil, but these events are happening.  I am going to give you some tips, not as an expert, but as a common sense guy with a strong penchant for survival.

            The first one is something I have hounded the Admiral and Princesses with for years; be aware of your surroundings.  Do not wander about ignorant of what is going on around you, for such makes you a victim.  Observe the people and the place. 

            Note exits wherever you are.  They instruct you on airplanes to "make a note of your nearest exit", for a reason.  Make it a habit.         

            While making note of exits, observe any obstacles that may slow you getting out.  It may be faster, and safer to take an exit that is further away.  When a life-threatening event occurs, time is critical, and seconds can mean the difference between being a victim, or a survivor.

            In a crowd, keep your head up and look around.  Observe the people, particularly those observing you.  Make eye contact with them and let them know you see them.  Don't be confrontational, but criminals are cowards and are looking for weakness.  If they know you are watching them, you have communicated that you will not be an easy mark. 

            Look for people acting different than the situation would dictate.  At a late night movie premier, the atmosphere is loud and boisterous with lots of smiles, laughter, and costumes, whereas at a church or worship gathering, the behavior will be quiet reverence.  If you see someone in either situation not blending, acting nervous, or agitated, watch them.  They may be having a bad day, or are nervous in new surroundings or crowds, but whatever the case, forewarned is forearmed, and if necessary, take action. 

            What action do you take?  Above all, don't panic.  As they teach in scuba classes, when something goes wrong, stop, think, then act.  A person in full panic, running, waving their arms, screaming wild eyed for an exit, may as well have a target painted on their back.  You only have split seconds when something like a public shooting happens, and again, what you do in those precious moments can be the difference between being a survivor, or a victim.

            If you are near an exit, and far enough from the shooter when gunfire breaks out, and you can get out with those who are with you, get out.  How far is far enough away from the shooter?  That is a judgment call.  If I am more than five steps from an exit, there is a crowd between the exit and me, or I cannot get those I am responsible for out with me, I am not going.

            The thing they drill into you in infantry training, and in combat, is, "Get down, and stay down!"  Running routes are easy for a shooter to figure out especially if you are in a panic.  The human eye is attuned to motion, so once down, and concealed, stay still!  Unless you can get yourself, and those with you unobserved to a safer point, you are better off where you are. 

             When you go down, get as low as you can, and seek solid cover, something that will stop a bullet.  If you are caught in the open, lie flat and make yourself as small a target as possible, and DO NOT MOVE!  If possible, keep your eyes open and watch the shooter.  You may have the opportunity to take further action.

            There are exceptions to the not moving rule, but they come with risk.  If you are secure, call the police.  There may have been a hundred calls made, but you may be the person who is calm enough, and in a place where you can make observations that will be helpful to first responders.  Making this call can save the lives of those within, and without.

            If you and those with you are safe, aid the wounded.  Do what you can with what you have.  This is where first aid training will save lives.  Take a course, now.  Be prepared.

            At some point, a shooter will have to stop to reload, or to draw another weapon, or he may turn his back to you.  You will have a second or two to act when their attention is diverted.  If you need to move, now is the time.  If you have the training, or a weapon of your own, attack the shooter.  You will be in a crowd, and if you act, so will others, but above all else, you are to survive and to save as many around you as possible.  If you cannot eliminate the shooter, or don't want to take the chance, the aid you render to those near you is just as valuable. 

            Your chances of survival are much higher if you will use the one weapon we all carry with us, our brains.  If you will stop, think, then act, not react, your chances of survival in any disaster are significantly higher.

            Some of you may be thinking to stay home rather than risking exposure in a large gathering, don't.  When you do, the bad guys win.  Go forth, enjoy life, but as you should in every situation, be prepared.