Waiting Is Not The Answer

There have been multiple studies and analysis of active shooter incidents in the United States. One of the take-aways from these studies is that active shooter incidents are very short in duration. Some studies report the average active shooter incident is over in 10 to 15 minutes. Many victims can be hurt or killed in this timeframe.

According to data collected by the FBI the average response time for law enforcement to an active shooter incident is 3 minutes. While 3 minutes may seem like a good response time other factors are at play such as how long it takes for someone to call 911 when the shooting starts. While 3 minutes is the average some more rural jurisdictions can have a much longer response time.

The first few minutes of an active shooter incident are critical to those involved. You cannot rely on law enforcement for your own safety. You must take responsibility for yourself and take proactive steps during these critical incidents. RUN, HIDE, FIGHT is the standard civilian response for active shooter incidents. If you can, get out of the area to a safe location. If you are unable to flee you must find a place to hide and barricade yourself to delay the shooter from getting to your location. Lastly, if you cannot get out or hide you must use whatever is at your disposal to fight the attacker off.

Approximately 60% of incidents are over before police arrive. The shooter has either fled, committed suicide or is taken into custody by non-law enforcement personnel. Your chances of survival greatly increase if you have planned and practiced how to respond in advance. Waiting and hoping law enforcement will save your life is not the answer. Proactive action is your best chance for survival.