A few days ago I wrote my daughter a letter. The last line was "feel free to share it....everybody needs to know it". Then I was thinking: If everybody really need to know it, why not share it right here? So here it is, with slight modifications.
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Dear <>,
This is a follow up to our discussion regarding what to do in the case of shooting. First of all I'd like you to understand the purpose of this discussion. It is not to freak you out. It's to help you stay alive. Unfortunately, this country has gone mad and so we must prepare ourselves for the worst. Let me assure you: I'm not enjoying writing this email; I'm not happy discussing the possibility of being a shooting victim. This is a terrible subject to write about. But, it's better to be prepared than to be sorry later. It's better to stay alive.
Before we dive into the details and just to put things in perspective, remember that thousands of universities and public places are open every day throughout this country without any shooting incidents. It's very unlikely that you'll ever be involved in one. So no need to freak out or to panic. But, as I said, it's important to be prepared - just in case.
The following are a few tips of what action you might take in case of an incident. Please realize that there's not just one way to do it. It all depends on the situation and where you are.
- When you first hear what might sound like gun shots, duck, hide somewhere: under a bench, behind a bush, around the corner. Somewhere.
- Try to assess where the sound of the shooting is coming from. Sometimes it could get tricky. The sound might be echoing or bounce between tall buildings.
- If you hear shooting not in the same building where you are: Run away from the shooting. Run to the woods or to the neighborhood. Try to think ahead of time what would be your escape route. Don't stick with the big group - that's the easy target for the shooter. Run away. Don't wait for instructions. Take action immediately. But, before you run make sure you're running AWAY from the shooting - not towards it.
- If the shooting is in your building, but not yet in the room/hall where you are: If there's an external door - take it to run away. If there's a window, break it with a chair or whatever is handy and climb through it to get away. Don't wait with the group; don't wait for instructions. Run for your life.
- If the shooting is in the same room where you are: If you have time to hide in a closet, do that. If not, if you see people getting hurt, play dead.
The most important thing to remember is not to freak out but to stay cool. To act quickly and composed. It is easier said than done in such situations, but if we discuss it and practice it, you will be somewhat prepared.
Please realize that these advices are not just for campus. They are relevant to everywhere: the mall, airports, movie theatre, etc. Everywhere! You never know where the crazy guy with a gun might act. This is important to remember.
Maybe all this sounds weird and scary and not even realistic, but sadly people are still dying from crazy shooting in this country. Please understand that unfortunately this is not the end of the discussion. Nobody knows how to fix the gun violence problem in America. Until then we have to be vigilant.
Feel free to share these advices with your friends. Everybody need to know that. I welcome questions/comments/additions.
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