Table of Contents
Overview
To ensure your safety, preparing for the unexpected and unimaginable is required. Such unthinkable risks are unfortunately part of the reality of our everyday lives. Potential mass attacks include such acts as:
- an active shooter,
- reckless and deadly drivers,
- bomb threats, and
- terrorism.
Take steps to prepare and protect yourself and help others in the event of a mass attack.
Stay alert. Always be aware of your environment and any possible dangers.
If you see something, say something to local authorities. That includes suspicious packages, people behaving strangely or someone using strange communications.
Observe warning signs. Signs might include:
- unusual or violent communications,
- substance abuse,
- expressed anger, or
- intent to cause harm.
These warning signs may increase over time.
Have an exit plan. Identify exits and areas to hide wherever you go, including work, school, and special events.
Learn lifesaving skills. Take trainings such as You Are the Help Until Help Arrives and first aid to assist the wounded before help arrives.
See Ready.gov’s Attacks in Crowded and Public Spaces for more information.
Survive during a mass attack: run, hide, fight
Run to safety
- Seek safety.
- Getting away from the attacker is the top priority.
- Leave your belongings behind and get away.
- Call 9-1-1 when you are safe and describe the attacker, location and weapons.
Cover and hide
- Cover and hide if you can’t evacuate.
- Find a place to hide out of view of the attacker and put a solid barrier between yourself and the threat if possible.
- Lock and block doors, close blinds and turn off lights.
- Keep silent.
Defend, disrupt, fight
- Fight only as a last resort. When you can’t run or cover, attempt to disrupt the attack or disable the attacker.
- Be aggressive and commit to your actions.
- Recruit others to ambush the attacker with makeshift weapons such as chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, books, etc.
- Be prepared to cause severe or lethal injury to the attacker.
Help the wounded
- Take care of yourself first and then, if you are able, help the wounded get to safety and provide immediate care.
- Call 9-1-1 when it is safe for you to do so.
Be safe after a mass attack
When law enforcement arrives
- Remain calm and follow instructions.
- Keep hands visible and empty.
- Report to designated areas to provide information and get help.
- Follow law enforcement’s instructions and evacuate in the direction they tell you to go.
- Listen to law enforcement for information about the situation.
- Share updates as you can with family and friends.
Consider seeking professional help
- Be mindful of your mental health. If needed, seek help for you and your family to cope with the trauma.
Resources and action items
- The Disaster Distress Helpline is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
- Make sure you are registered for emergency alerts in your area with your local city or county.
- Understand when you might be eligible for crime victim compensation.
- Vibrant Emotional Health helps people navigate the recovery process and work through the traumas of tragedy.
- Request training and education from local jurisdictions, like the Public Safety Office, Police Department, and Homeland Security.
- Engage with your employer about drills/exercises and planning process, and plan for these types of risks.
- Engage with your school (Public K-12, as well as higher education institutions) about drills/exercises and the planning process, and plan for these types of risks.
- If you are going to a public event (e.g., a concert, sports event, parade, fair, etc.), inquire with the appropriate entity about safety measures, risk assessment and applicable emergency plans.
Publication Code: DPR27
www.DRTx.org
Statewide Intake: 1-800-252-9108
Sign Language Video Phone: 1-866-362-2851
Purple 2 Video Phone: 512-271-9391
Online Intake available 24/7: intake.DRTx.org
Disclaimer: Disability Rights Texas strives to update its materials on an annual basis, and this handout is based upon the law at the time it was written. The law changes frequently and is subject to various interpretations by different courts. Future changes in the law may make some information in this handout inaccurate.
The handout is not intended to and does not replace an attorney’s advice or assistance based on your particular situation.
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