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Shootings in Public Places: What to do

Posted on Thursday, November 7, 2019
The world can be such a scary place with all the random shootings at schools, stores and gatherings. How can you avoid it? What are you supposed to do in such a situation?

Because of all the scares at every corner, I rarely leave my house anymore. But I still have to to do the shopping and whatnot. So whenever I enter a store, sadly I now take note of where the exits are. I scan the store for not only front exits but rear exits, bathrooms that lock and what I can shove in front of me if need be. I make a quick plan in my head on how I would protect myself and my children in such a situation. There is lots of reading materials online on the best way to handle such situations both physically and mentally. Upon reading them, I doubt my ability to remain calm - that's the realness of the situation. I also make sure that I never leave the house without a charged cell phone. I also keep my iPhone with my location tracking device turned on and in sync with my family members.

According to studies, most active shooter situations are over pretty fast. But if you are around an active shooter, I think those few minutes would feel like HOURS. How do you protect yourself? How do you protect your family? How do you help those that you do not know? When is the appropriate time to call for help?

I do not have any of those answers since I have never been in such a situation. I did, however, do some research and compiled a list of resources that you NEED to check out and read!

The Department of Homeland Security released a thirteen-page booklet that touches base on almost everything you need to know. From an evacuation plan to workplace violence escalating into an active shooter situation and what to look for.

Men's Health published an article in 2015 where self-defense expert, Alon Stivi, gives advice on what to do if you are ever in an active shooter situation. It's pretty detailed and has a ton of information. Stivi is the founder and CEO of Direct Measures International that offers security training and protective services. He spent 4.5 years in Israel's Special Forces and was personal security for people like Arnold Schwarzenegger. He seems to really know his stuff.

There is also a mother who published a blog at A Mother Far From Home about How to protect your children in an active shooter situation. As I read the first paragraph, I was hooked.
"I've never been involved in a shooting, nor have my children.
I'm not ex-SWAT or part of a tactical response team.
I didn't have SEAL training, can't kill someone with my bare hands, and don't have a concealed carry permit.
I'm a mom with little kids who go out in public and wants us all to come home alive.
And I think you are too."

I could be her. She has some amazing advice that you need to read if you are a mother with children.

The Today Show has a suggestion on How to Talk to your children about shootings: An age-by-age guide. It has some pretty useful information I myself didn't think of.

Good HouseKeeping put out an article in 2016 that still holds true to this day - 12 things you can do right now to prep your kids against an active shooter.

I don't think any of us ever want to have to be prepared for an active shooter situation. EVER. But in today's day in age, it's something we need to take seriously and educate ourselves on how to stay safe.

What suggestions do you have? Tell us below in the comment section!

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