We’ve witnessed some of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history unfold this year.
The debate of gun control rages, but regardless of your stance on guns, security experts will tell you that the frequency of mass shootings demands both recognition and planning.
“Our message is that it can happen anytime, anyplace and anywhere,” said Bill Dwyer, Warren Police Commissioner.
Dwyer told 7 Action News that it’s impossible to judge where the next shooting could take place.
Depending on how you view statistics, and there’s a debate surrounding that, too, there have been several hundred mass shootings in the United States this year. That’s if you used the basic definition of a shooting where four, or more, people are injured.
Using that definition, you could call the shooting in midtown Detroit that injured three teens an an adult during the Noel Night celebrations a “mass shooting.”
Whether people die, or not, the reality is those who’ve been in a crowd when a gunman opens fire typically describe a similar feeling: panic.
“I think if you have a plan and you practice that drill — if you are confronted by an active shooter, and God I hope you never will be — you have a plan and you save lives,” said Dwyer.
Both Dwyer and Homeland Security preach a three-pronged thought process: run, hide, fight. Those are the three best options, and generally in that order. If you’re able to run away, you should. If you can’t run, you should hide.
According to a report released by Homeland Security back in 2008 you should hide in an office if you’re already inside of one, if you’re stuck in a hallway you should find the closest door and hide inside. The final option is to fight back, but experts stress that should be a final resort.
Dwyer said that the police department recently held an event to talk about mass shooting events. Dozens of church representatives were present, and more than 30 have taken the department up on an offer to further discuss plans and visit local churches to help formulate plans and drills.
While it seems severe, Dwyer noted that the hope is you never need to enact a plan. If you do have a plan, and it’s needed, he said it could save valuable seconds in a worst-case scenario.
If you’d like to read a complete readout of best practices outlined by the Department of Homeland Security on what to do if confronted by an active shooter you can read more, here: Active Shooter: How to Respond.
