Essential Tips for Surviving an Active Shooter in a Grocery Store

Active shooter situations are unpredictable and can evolve quickly, necessitating that individuals be prepared to respond with minimal notice. Here are some important safety tips for handling active shooter situations in grocery stores:

Before an Incident

1. Awareness:
   • Familiarize yourself with the layout of the store.
   • Identify the nearest exits.
   • Note locations of potential cover and concealment areas.
2. Preparedness:
   • Keep your phone easily accessible.
   • Review the store’s emergency procedures, if available.
   • Stay aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to store security or management.

During an Incident

1. Run:
   • If there is a safe escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises.
   • Leave your belongings behind.
   • Help others escape if possible, but do not stay behind if they refuse to leave.
   • Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be.
   • Call 911 when you are safe, providing your location, the shooter’s location, and description if possible.
2. Hide:
   • If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the shooter is less likely to find you.
   • Your hiding place should be out of the shooter’s view, provide protection if shots are fired, and not trap you or restrict your movement.
   • Lock and barricade the door with heavy furniture if possible.
   • Turn off lights, silence your phone, and remain quiet.
3. Fight:
   • As a last resort, and only if your life is in imminent danger, attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
   • Act with as much physical aggression as possible.
   • Improvised weapons from nearby objects.
   • Commit to your actions to disrupt or incapacitate the shooter.

After the Incident

1. Stay Calm:
   • Follow law enforcement instructions.
   • Avoid pointing or yelling, and keep your hands visible at all times.
   • Do not make sudden movements that could be interpreted as hostile.
2. Information:
   • Provide authorities with any information you have about the shooter and the situation.
3. First Aid:
   • If you are trained, assist the wounded with basic first aid until emergency personnel arrive.

  By being trained, staying informed, being prepared, and knowing how to react, you can increase your chances of staying safe during an active shooter situation.