On Sunday, August 26, 2018, Captain Y. Bashir and I were on the Lebanon Time radio station provided live informative information to our community members. We are very thankful for receiving excellent feedback and we will continue to serve all of you.
Today’s topic of active shooting is difficult for me to discuss, yet it is very relevant. On May 18, 2018, there was an active shooting incident at Santa Fe high school which is in close proximity to Houston. Sabika Sheikh, a 17 year old exchange student from Pakistan, nine students and teachers passed away in this tragic incident. Captain Bashir, I, and few other officers went to Sabika’s funeral to show our respect. It was a very emotional and sad day for many of us.
Nonetheless, we live in times when senseless killing seems to be far too common. We must not let our guards down and be vigilant of our surroundings at all times. The question is “what should you do if you are the victim of an Active Shooter? In today’s article, I will provide a list of tips you may follow to protect yourself and others.
Run:
- Have an escape route and plan in mind
- Leave your belongings behind
- Evacuate regardless of whether other agree to follow
- Help others escape, if possible
- Do not attempt to move wounded people
- Prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be
- Keep your hands visible
- Call 911 when you are safe
Hide:
- Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view
- Lock the door or block the entry to your hiding place
- Silence your cell phone (including the vibrate model) and remain quiet
Fight:
- Fight as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger
- Attempt to incapacitate the shooter
- Commit to your actions…your life depends on it
Information to provide to 911 operators:
- Location of the active shooter
- Number of shooters
- Physical description of shooters
- Number and type of weapons held by shooter
- Number of potential victims at the location
When law Enforcement Arrives:
- Remain calm and follow instructions
- Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets)
- Raise hands and spread fingers
- Keep hands visible at all times
- Avoid quick movements toward officers such as holding on to them for safety
- Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling
- Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating
Please keep in mind that the first officers to arrive at the scene will not stop to help injured persons. Expect rescue teams to follow the initial officers. These rescue teams will treat and remove the injured. Once you have reached a safe location, you will likely be held in that area by law enforcement until the situation is under control, and all witnesses have been identified and questioned. Do not leave the area until law enforcement authorities have instructed you to do so.
I hope you found today’s article useful. Thank you for reading this article and be safe!
Contact Information: Houston Police Department-Midwest Division
7277 Regency Sq Blvd | Houston, TX 77036 | Tel: 832-394-1200