Active shooter preparedness on the Central Coast

The Department of Homeland Security has released a number of tips and videos on how to survive an active shooter situation.

Local law enforcement agencies and higher education institutions have shared these ideas, wanting to give people the tools they need, to get out of a potentially deadly situation. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly, typically lasting 10 to 15 minutes.

The Department of Homeland Security said people caught in the midst of an active shooting need to be mentally and physically prepared to deal with a gunman. That’s why they said three words can make a big difference-run, hide, and fight.

“There was a break after the first 30 shots… the first 30 seconds of shooting and I ran and this heroic young Hispanic man was like ‘get in this room,” said Las Vegas massacre survivor, Brian Claypool.

Stories from survivors on how they got away from the gunman shooting at concert-goers in Las Vegas.

The Department of Homeland Security advises people to run, hide or fight in case of an active shooter.

Cal State University Monterey Bay said they are trying to drive the message home to students and staff.

The school released an active shooter training video last year. It’s now shown at new student orientations and available online for the campus community to see.

Police said the best option is to run, even if others agree to follow or not. Call 911 when you’re safe. Your second reaction should be to hide. Police said people should lock and block the door to prevent the shooter from coming in. Silence your phone and keep quiet.

The Department of Homeland Security said people should throw things at the gunman, yell and commit to your actions. However they remind people, these situations can change quickly.

“Every situation is going to be a unique set of circumstances, based on the totality of the circumstances, the options to run, the option to hide or the option to fight might be different,” said CSUMB Police Chief, Earl Lawson.

“I think it would definitely help you because you have a basis to go off, you have prior knowledge. I mean, at the moment you probably would forget some things, but the information would be there, so it would help you out,” said CSUMB student Juano Carlo Mejia.

The active shooter training video has been viewed more than 120,000 times and has been shared by a number of other schools.

“We are always reminding students, don’t become complacent, be aware of your surroundings, take precautions, watch out for each other and safety is everyone’s responsibility, not just the police department. We want everyone to report suspicious circumstances, look out for each other, and look out for the wellbeing and safety for the campus community,” said Chief Lawson.

CSUMB also has an alert system that students sign up for when they register for classes that can send them emergency email or text messages.

GOOD PRACTICE FOR COPING WITH AN ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATION:

-Be aware fo your environment and any possible dangers.

-Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit.

-If you are in an office, stay there and secure the door.

-If you are in a hallway, get into a room and secure the door.

-As a last resort, attempt to take the active shooter down. When the shooter is at close range and you cannot flee, your chance of survival is much greater if you try to incapacitate him/her.

Click here to watch: CSUMB Active Shooter Training VIDEO