When there's an active shooter, fear sets in.
"In an emergency situation, people panic and they stop thinking," Lieutenant Joseph Thomas with Michigan State Police said.
Michigan State Police say you need to have a plan. Lieutenant Thomas says shootings like the congressional baseball practice incident or the San Francisco UPS shooting are on the rise.
"People have to start thinking about this,” Lt. Thomas said. “It's very real."
Lieutenant Thomas says there are three steps to keep in mind. Avoid. Deny. And defend.
Avoid is exactly what it sounds like.
"That could be running away or hiding or sheltering yourself," Lt. Thomas said.
That's why he says it's always important to know where your emergency exits are wherever you go.
Deny means to deny entry to the shooter. Barricade yourself in somewhere, and keep the shooter away.
Defend means to fight back... And is the last resort...
"In certain cases it's unavoidable and you have to take some kind of action," Lt. Thomas said.
Throw something, do what you can. And remember, there's strength in numbers.
He says it’s also important to relay as much information to police as you can if you’re involved in an active shooting. Tell them how many suspects there are, what they’re wearing and if they have bullet proof vests.
