How To Stay Safe During a Public Shooting: The 10 Steps
Learn practical tactics to protect yourself and others when a violent incident occurs in a crowded place.
Gun violence in public spaces has risen worldwide, making it crucial to know how to react quickly when a shooting occurs. This guide offers actionable steps you can implement today to increase your safety and help others during a crisis. By following these 10 steps, you'll be prepared to act decisively and reduce risk.
Step 1: Identify the Threat
Listen for any announcements or alarms and observe people around you for signs of danger. If you see a gunman or hear gunshots, identify the source and direction of the threat. Call 112 (Europe) or 911 (US) immediately and provide your exact location and any details you can safely observe.
Step 2: Assess Your Options
Quickly decide whether to run, hide, or fight based on the situation. Use the options list: run to the nearest exit, hide in a locked room, or, only as a last resort, prepare to defend yourself. Check your surroundings for obstacles or potential cover before making a decision.
Step 3: Run to a Safe Exit
If you choose to run, pick the fastest exit you know and move run quickly, keeping your body low and using obstacles for cover. Use offline maps on Google Maps or Apple Maps to locate exits if you have time. Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid turning your back to the shooter.
Step 4: Hide Behind Solid Objects
If running isn’t possible, find a locked room or a large piece of furniture to hide hide behind. Turn off lights, silence your phone, and remain as still as possible. Keep your phone charged and ready to call emergency services if you can safely do so.
Step 5: Protect Yourself with Available Cover
When you’re in hiding, use any heavy object—like a desk, bookshelf, or car—to create a barrier between you and the shooter. Protect yourself by keeping your head down and breathing slowly. If you can, use a phone or tablet to send a quick SOS message to a trusted contact.
Step 6: Communicate Your Situation
Use your phone to call emergency services communicate the exact location, number of people involved, and any injuries. If you’re in a mobile app like 911 or the local emergency app, share your GPS location. Keep your phone on silent to avoid alerting the shooter.
Step 7: Stay Low and Quiet
Remaining low reduces your visibility and keeps you out of a shooter’s line of sight. Stay as quiet as possible, avoid making noise, and keep your breathing steady. If you’re in a vehicle, lock the doors and keep the windows up.
Step 8: Follow Authorities’ Instructions
Once law enforcement arrives, listen carefully to their commands and obey them immediately. Use the follow command: move only when directed, keep your hands visible, and stay in a safe position. Avoid making sudden movements that could be misinterpreted.
Step 9: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
After the threat is neutralized, check yourself and others for injuries. Use the first aid app by the American Red Cross or local health services to guide you. Call 112 or 911 for emergency medical help if needed.
Step 10: Prepare for Future Incidents
Create a personal emergency kit with water, first aid supplies, and a charged phone. Practice drills with family or coworkers, and join local community safety groups like the Neighborhood Watch. Prepare by staying informed about local security measures and updating your emergency contacts.
Most people overlook the importance of a pre‑planned exit route; map out at least two exits in every location you frequent and practice reaching them in under 30 seconds.
By mastering these 10 steps, you can transform a chaotic situation into a controlled response, saving your life and others. You now have a clear, actionable plan to act decisively during a public shooting. Start practicing today and share this guide with friends and family to build collective safety.
