AUSTIN — While mass shootings are relatively rare, experts say knowing what to do in the event of a shooting can mean the difference between life and death.
Executive Director of the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University Pete Blair said there are three things people can do in an active shooter situation:
1. Avoid
"If you can get out of there and avoid the attacker, that's the best thing to do," Blair said. According to Blair, this means moving away from the danger as quickly as possible.
2. Deny Access to Your Location
Blair said you should only use this option if you can't escape the situation, or if attempting an escape would mean immediate harm. "Close, lock doors, barricade, that sort of thing," Blair said. "You can also make it appear like you're not in the room by turning off lights and staying away from windows." However, Blair notes that you should always be ready for the attacker to breach your barricade.
3. Defend Yourself
Blair said this measure should only be taken as a last resort. "If you find yourself in close proximity with that attacker and it's a choice between being shot and fighting for your life defending yourself, we encourage people to defend themselves," Blair said.