What We Can Actually Do: Situational Awareness and Active Shooter Preparedness

Mass shootings happen. In schools. In malls. In places of worship. At celebrations.

We're not here to debate policy or assign blame. We're here to talk about what you can actually DO to protect yourself and your family.

Because sitting with the grief is important — and so is taking action. That's what we believe at Prepping Partner: feel the feelings, then prepare.

Situational Awareness: The Foundation of Personal Safety

This isn't paranoia. It's just... noticing.

When you walk into any space — a restaurant, a mall, a concert venue, a classroom — take 10 seconds to observe your surroundings. This simple habit can make a real difference if something goes wrong.

Ask yourself:

• Where are the exits? Not just the main entrance — look for side doors, emergency exits, back hallways, kitchen doors in restaurants.
• What could provide cover? Concrete pillars, heavy furniture, solid walls. (Note: drywall and glass don't stop bullets.)
• Where are you positioned? Can you see the entrance? How far are you from the nearest exit?

This mental scan takes seconds. It becomes automatic with practice. Your family might roll their eyes at first — ours did! Now they do it too.

The Run-Hide-Fight Framework

This is the protocol taught in active shooter training across the country. Simple, memorable, and effective.

RUN (First Priority)

If you can get out safely, get out.

• Don't wait for confirmation
• Don't gather belongings
• Help others escape if possible, but keep moving

HIDE (If You Can't Run)

Find a secure hiding place.

• Lock and barricade doors
• Turn off lights
• Silence your phone completely
• Stay away from doors and windows
• Remain quiet

FIGHT (Absolute Last Resort)

Only if you cannot run AND cannot hide.

• Commit fully
• Use improvised weapons
• Act with aggression

Stop Filming. Seriously.

We've all seen it in video after video: people standing there, phones up, recording while chaos unfolds around them.

There will be security cameras. There will be witnesses. There will be time for documentation later.

GET SAFE FIRST.

What to Teach Your Family

Whether you have teenagers, college students, or younger children, these conversations matter.

1. Trust your gut. If something feels wrong, leave.
2. Phone is for AFTER. Get safe first, communicate second.
3. Have a meetup point. If separated, where do you go?
4. You are your first responder. Help takes minutes to arrive.
5. Be the first to react. Don't wait to see what everyone else does.

For Parents of College Students

Have this conversation. It will feel awkward. Do it anyway.

Ask them: Do you know where the exits are in your classrooms? Your dorm? The library?

Most don't. After your conversation, they will.

The Bottom Line

The goal isn't to live in fear. The goal is to have a plan so you DON'T have to be afraid.

Thinking about this now — when you're calm — means you're more likely to act effectively if you ever need to.

We hope you never do.