What to do if there's an active shooter

(RNN) - In case of an active shooting situation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security offered suggestions on the how to respond. There are three words to remember: Run, hide, fight.

Run

Leave belongings behind and exit through an accessible escape route. Hands should be visible and so law enforcement can tell you are unarmed. Once you are in safe location, call 911.

Hide

If there’s no exit available to you, find a place to hide. If possible, block the entrance of the hiding place by pushing furniture against the door. Turn of the lights, including all electronic devices such as TV’s, radios and cell phones - including the vibrate function. A small noise could alert the shooter to your location. 

Fight

If your life is in imminent danger, as a last resort, try to take physical action against the shooter. Act aggressively against the shooter with a makeshift weapon - grab whatever is handy, like scissors. Commit to taking down the shooter. After the shooter is contained call 911. Give them the location of the shooter, the number of shooters, a description of the shooter, and the type of weapon the shooter is using and the number of potential victims.

Remember, when police enter the building, follow their orders as quickly as possible.

To see a video on Run, Hide, Fight, click here.

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