When faced with an Active Killer/Shooter you have several options for action. Hiding from the killer is one viable option. It is my least favorite for a variety of reasons.

First, when one hides, they may find themselves in a more vulnerable position. I also find hiding to be a more passive option. It might work well for younger people and those with impaired mobility. A classroom of kindergarten children or a group of elderly who have trouble moving quickly might find the Hide option of Run, Hide, Fight doctrine a better alternative to the other two options.

The vulnerability of Hide comes in the case where you are discovered. At that point, you must have already made the mental and physical switch to Fight mode. Any less prepared and you will be well behind the curve and may very well realize that you have a fair amount of catching up to do tactically.

So, how does one best go about hiding. First of all, they should find a room that can be somewhat secured. If there are multiple exits, once the entry is secured, the alternative exits should be explored as a viable option for running.  Hide should be considered a transitional option when at all possible. Running is often our best option and Fighting might be the last. Hide is what we do between those two other tactics.

Once secured in the room, look for ways to block the entry. If the door can be locked, lock it. If not, consider blocking it with furnishings. Desks, heavy bookcases, file cabinets, anything that might block the door. Most school doors open out, so look for ways to hold the door shut like a belt to the handle and something secure. If the door has a gas hinge at the top, a belt or other object around the hinge might be enough to keep it from being pulled open.

Turn off the lights. Your eyes will adapt to the dark. The suspects eyes will not. That gives you a visual advantage and makes it harder to spot you.

Find places in the space that are concealed from view of the windows and doorways. Dark corners, closets, under desks or shelving are suitable for this.

Turn off cell phones. Not just to vibrate but completely off. Even just silencing your phone might not be enough. The phone might light up with incoming calls or messages. Turn the phone completely off.

Stay quiet. There might be the temptation to talk or whisper among others hiding. Suppress this temptation and communicate using hand signals or gestures as much as possible.

Wait until the proper authorities arrive before opening the door. It might be tempting to peer out the door and see what is happening. If you have chosen to Hide, it is because you could not Run. Periodically opening the door may expose you to the threat. 3 or 4 minutes may seem like a long time. If you recently heard gunfire, and then there was no sound for 10 minutes or more, you might assume the event has subsided. If that is the case, be judicious. You might consider a discreet call to 9-1-1 to check on the situation and alert first responders to your location.

Don’t run out into the hallway to greet Law Enforcement. Cops responding to high risk situations are not big on surprises. Running into a hallway filled with anxious cops is not a good plan for salvation. Let them come to you. Ensure they announce themselves and properly identifiy themselves at the door. If you have an established phone connection with 9-1-1 operators, you can ask them to confirm their co-workers are at the door. And then obtain their instructions for exiting. Wait until you are told it is safe to exit.

Once out, make sure all occupants who were hiding with you also get out. And then be prepared to give a thorough debrief to Law Enforcement.

 

About the writer

Mike Lazarus
Military and Law Enforcement Veteran
FBI certified firearm instructor
MP5 and Sub Machine gun instructor
Defensive tactics instructor