5 TIPS FOR SURVIVING A LARGE VENUE ACTIVE SHOOTER

Attending large events can sometimes come with unforeseen risks in today's unpredictable world. The tragic events that unfolded during the 91 Harvest Country Music Festival at Mandalay Bay in 2017 serve as a stark reminder of this reality. Stephen Paddock's shooting rampage amidst a crowd of 22,000 festival-goers left a lasting scar on our collective consciousness, underscoring the importance of being prepared and vigilant, even in moments of leisure and enjoyment.
When faced with an unexpected event like an active shooter in a crowded venue, it's easy to feel helpless. However, there are proactive steps you can take to increase the chances of you and your friends surviving. Most importantly, many of these actions should be taken well before such an event occurs.

5 TIPS For Surviving A Large Venue Active Shooter

1) Become Situationally Aware

As you step into the bustling atmosphere of a large venue, whether it's an outdoor festival, amphitheater, or concert hall, take a moment to assess your surroundings. Cultivating a mindset of situational awareness can be your greatest asset.

2) Find The Exits

As you head to your seats for the show take time to note the locations of entrances and exits both on the outside of the venue and inside the venue itself. Mentally map out escape routes and alternative exits, including those less commonly used. Some of the vendor and food areas have back door exits that you can escape through in an emergency.

3) Look Up

In addition to familiarizing yourself with the layout of the venue, it's essential to consider areas of the venue that you may not think of using. Look upwards and scan for vantage points where a potential threat could emerge. This simple act of observation could give you crucial seconds to react if the unthinkable were to occur.

4) Know The Sound Of A Gun

For many, the sound of gunfire is an unfamiliar and terrifying experience. However, in the wake of tragic events like the Las Vegas Mandalay Bay shooting, awareness has heightened, and people are more attuned to the reality of such situations. Recognizing the sound of gunfire and reacting swiftly can mean the difference between life and death. Rather than dismissing unusual sounds as part of the show or fireworks, trust your instincts and take immediate action. An easy way to get familiar with this sound is to watch target practice and gun safety videos online.

5) Position Yourself For Safety

When selecting your seat or standing position within a venue, we all want that epic view so you can enjoy the show. However, you should also consider more than just proximity to the stage. Opting for seats near exits or strategic cover, such as pillars or walls, can significantly improve your chances of escaping harm. While it may seem tempting to be as close to the action as possible, prioritizing safety over convenience could save lives in a crisis.

The Las Vegas shooting at the music event should never have happened and should not be normalized. Yet, we know that this will not be the last time an active shooter event will happen. While we cannot erase the pain and loss inflicted by such senseless acts, we can empower ourselves with knowledge and preparedness. By adopting a security-minded approach before attending events, remaining vigilant, and being survival-minded during them, we can mitigate risks and increase our chances of survival in the face of an active shooter event.

FAQ:

What should I do when I first enter a large venue to ensure my safety in case of an active shooter?

Upon entering, take note of your surroundings, including the location of entrances and exits both at the perimeter and within the venue. Look for potential cover and escape routes in vending areas or other structures.

How can I recognize the sound of gunfire if I have never heard it before?

Familiarize yourself with the sound of real gunfire, which can now be found in videos online, including gun safety videos and footage from past incidents. This will help you react quickly and appropriately instead of mistaking the sound for fireworks or other event noises.

Where should I position myself in a large crowd to increase my chances of survival during an active shooter event?

Try to stay near exits for a quick escape and look for cover such as pillars, walls, or barriers. Avoid centrally located seats, as these may be more difficult to escape from quickly.

What should I do if I hear gunfire at a large venue?

Immediately, try to determine the direction of the gunfire. If you can, find cover and move away from the source of the gunfire. Use your knowledge of exits and escape routes to leave the area as quickly and safely as possible.

How can I prepare mentally for the possibility of an active shooter at a large venue?

Stay situationally aware at all times. Plan your actions in advance, including knowing where to take cover and how to exit quickly. Mentally rehearse these actions so you can react swiftly and effectively if an incident occurs.

Are there specific actions to take if I am caught in a crowd during an active shooter situation?

If you are in a crowd, try to stay low and move towards the nearest exit. If you can't escape, find cover behind solid objects. Avoid running in a straight line and zigzag to make yourself a harder target if you must move in open areas.

What should I do if I am separated from my group during an active shooter incident?

Have a prearranged meeting spot outside the venue in case of separation. Use your phone to communicate if it is safe to do so, but prioritize your immediate safety first by finding cover or escaping.

How can I help others during an active shooter situation without compromising my own safety?

If it is safe to do so, assist others in finding cover or exits. Use clear, calm instructions to guide them. However, prioritize your own safety first to avoid becoming another victim.

What are some common mistakes to avoid during an active shooter event?

Avoid assuming that the sounds are not gunfire, staying in a central, open area, or attempting to confront the shooter directly unless there are no other options. Always prioritize finding cover and escaping if possible.

How can I stay informed about potential threats when attending large events?

Stay updated on news and security advisories related to the event. Be aware of the venue's security measures and any emergency procedures they have in place. Follow official social media channels for real-time updates during the event.

How can I identify safe hiding spots if I can't immediately exit the venue?

Look for solid objects that can stop bullets, such as concrete walls, large pillars, or heavy machinery. Avoid hiding in areas where you can be easily trapped or where there is no secondary escape route.

What should I do if I find myself in an open area with no immediate cover?

Drop to the ground to make yourself a smaller target, then try to move quickly and unpredictably towards the nearest cover or exit. Crawling can sometimes be safer than running if the shooter is far away.

How can I assist law enforcement if they arrive while I am still in the venue?

Follow their instructions immediately and without hesitation. Keep your hands visible at all times, avoid sudden movements, and provide any useful information about the shooter's location or description.

Is there any specific gear I should consider bringing to a large event for safety?

While not always practical, items such as a small first aid kit, a whistle, and a flashlight can be useful. Ensure your phone is fully charged, and consider carrying a portable charger.

How can I remain calm and think clearly during an active shooter incident?

Practice deep breathing techniques and try to stay focused on the immediate actions you need to take to stay alive. Having a pre-planned strategy can help reduce panic and improve your ability to make quick decisions.

Should I try to help injured individuals during an active shooter situation?

Only offer help to others if it is safe to do so. Prioritize your own safety first! If you can safely assist, provide basic first aid and help move them to a safer location.

How do I determine if it's safe to leave my hiding spot or if I should wait for law enforcement?

Listen carefully for signs that the threat has passed, such as silence or the arrival of law enforcement. If you hear commands from officers, follow them immediately. Otherwise, stay hidden until you are certain it is safe.

Are there specific signals or signs to look for that indicate an active shooter situation might be developing?

Be aware of unusual behavior, such as individuals wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather (which could conceal weapons), people carrying large bags in unusual ways, or any signs of agitation or nervousness in the crowd.

How can I prepare my family or group for attending large events with potential safety risks?

Discuss and agree on a meeting place and a plan of action in case of an emergency. Make sure everyone knows the layout of the venue, including exits and potential safe areas. Practice what to do if separated or if an emergency occurs.

What resources are available to learn more about surviving active shooter situations?

There are numerous resources available to help prepare you for active shooter events, including the A.L.I.V.E. active shooter training courses.

These active shooter training classes can be taken online or in person and help prepare individuals and businesses to survive a violent attack in any setting.