Knowing what to do, key to survival Published Aug. 9, 2013 By Tech. Sgt. Mark Wyatt 157th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.H. -- Over the past 20 years there have been several deadly mass shootings at places such as a malls, movie theatres, schools as well as military installations. In 2009 at Fort Hood in Texas, a gunman killed 13 people and injured more than 30 in what is the most deadly shooting at an American military base. An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people, most often in populated areas. In most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. In some instances, active shooters use improvised explosive devices to create additional victims and to impede first responders. "The Air Force is not immune to this type of tragedy," said Master Sgt. Charles Law, 157th Security Forces Squadron. "Fairchild Air Force Base as well as Moody and Eglin have had real world shooters situations that have resulted in loss of life." These and other active shooter events at military installations over the past several years have resulted in a collaborative throughout the Air Force designed to develop an active shooter training program to educate members on how best to respond that will increase survival. "Among the many important tips Airmen should understand is basic training such as Self-Aid and Buddy Care," said Law. "If someone is injured in a shooting, they should be able to practice their SABC skills to ensure survival." Additionally, Airmen should be aware of other important tips that can help save their lives and the lives of others. Active shooter tips Lockdown - An announcement used on Air Force installations as a security measure to confine and restrict movement. All individuals, including military uniformed services, federal employees, contractors, dependents or other people on an installation as a guest are required to restrict their movement when lockdown is declared. During lockdown, no person may enter or exit another area until the all clear is broadcasted unless movement is required to escape from a dangerous place or situation. Actions to Consider BEFORE · Assemble an emergency supply kit in a vehicle and workplace. · Be aware of surroundings and any possible dangers. · Determine if the community has a warning system. · Find the two nearest exits in any facility visiting. · Know the evacuation plan for work centers. · Leave an area when feeling uncomfortable or if something does not seem right. · Develop a family communications plan and ensure all family members know how to use it if separated. DURING · Responding to an active shooter will determine the specific circumstances of the encounter. If involved in an active shooter situation, remain calm, quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life, and use these guidelines to survive. Outside the Immediate Incident Area · Stay away from the incident area; there may be unknown dangers at or near the scene. · Listen to local radio, television stations, and/or the installation's warning and notification system for the latest information. · If announced, execute lockdown procedures. · If outdoors, try to make it inside a facility before the building is locked down, or go to your vehicle to get out of the affected area. · Do not allow individuals to enter or exit the area during lockdown until the all clear is announced. · Only use phone services for emergency communication, the phone system must remain open for 911 calls. Inside the Immediate Incident Area Evacuate · If an escape route is accessible, evacuate the immediate area. · Leave personal belongings behind and assist others in evacuating, if possible. · Call 911 or 603-430-2601 when safe. If dialing 911 from a cell phone, inform the operator of your location. · Stay on the phone until the operator ends the call. · Once evacuated, prevent non-emergency personnel from entering the area. · If in view of or approaching law enforcement personnel, keep hands visible and follow instructions. Hide Out · If evacuation is not possible, go to a secure room. · Lock the door or block the door with heavy furniture. Turn off lights. · If unable to find a secure room, hide. · The hiding place should be in an area that is less likely to be found by the active shooter, provide protection, and not restrict options for movement. · Remain quiet and silence portable devices that may give hiding place away. · If safe to do so, call 911 or 603-430-2601 when safe. If dialing 911 from a cell phone, inform the operator of your location. · Stay on the phone until the operator ends the call. Take Action against the Shooter · As a last resort, and only when life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt or incapacitate the shooter. · Personnel should use whatever means possible to overpower the subject to save lives. · Deadly force is authorized when an individual reasonably believes they or others in the area are in immediate danger of death or serious bodily harm. Information to Provide to Law Enforcement · Number of active shooters, if more than one. · Location of the shooter. · Physical description of shooter. · Time observed the shooter. · Number and type of weapons held by the shooter. · Number of potential victims at the location. When law enforcement arrives, their purpose is to stop the active shooter as soon as possible. They will proceed to the area where the last shots were heard and will not stop to help injured personnel until the shooter is neutralized. For more information on what to do once law enforcement arrives, visit the emergency management website at http://www.beready.af.mil/disasters&emergencies/activeshooter.asp. Did You Know... The first law enforcement officers to arrive to the scene will not stop to help injured persons. Expect rescue teams comprised of additional officers and emergency medical personnel to follow the initial officers. These rescue teams will treat and remove any injured persons. They may also call upon able-bodied individuals to assist in removing the wounded from the premises. Information from this article was provided by the Air Force Emergency Management website. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Charles Law at 603-430-2615 or visit the Air Force's disaster's preparedness website at http://www.beready.af.mil.