What to do if you Hear Gunshots

It may seem like something that will only happen in your nightmares, but getting caught close by a shooting or even in the middle of one is a real thing that could happen at any time.

Should you ever find yourself in a situation where someone is shooting a gun, you need to think fast and avoid becoming a victim.

  Ø  Make sure you’re actually hearing a gunshot.

It doesn’t seem likely, but it is in fact pretty easy to confuse other sounds with gunshots. Dropping something heavy, a construction site and a car backfiring can all sound similar. To help figure out what you are hearing, keep in mind that gunfire has a random rhythm.

  Ø  Don’t panic, act fast!

When you think you’re in danger, your body may start to shut down. Tell yourself that everything is going to be okay and snap out of it. More than 50% of shootings occur for less than 5 minutes, so time is a valuable thing.

  Ø  Find out where the shooter is and escape.

The safest place for you to be when there is a shooting is as far away from the shooter as possible! If you can, find an escape and get out of the building. If the shooter is inside, get inside somewhere safe.

  Ø  If there is no escape, barricade yourself

If you cannot escape, your best bet is to lock yourself in a room or block the entrance with anything you can find. Be smart when you are inside and lie on the floor on the closest wall away from any potential gunfire or stray bullets.

Always make sure to call the police if you hear gunshots nearby, as well as press the SOS button on the PatrolMan app. It’s better to be safe than sorry!