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Expert: What you should do if an active shooter storms your building
Expert: What you should do if an active shooter storms your building

Daily Mail​

time2 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Expert: What you should do if an active shooter storms your building

But tragically, it does, as the world was reminded this week when a gunman stormed the Blackstone building reportedly hunting NFL staff. Active shooters have taken aim at unsuspecting victims everywhere from offices and salons to schools and nightclubs. And the key to survival, experts say, is preparedness and awareness. Law enforcement officials across the US train civilians how to react in active shooter situations, which occur about once every three weeks, according to the FBI. Speaking in 2017 after the horrific Las Vegas massacre, instructor Louis Rapoli - who spent 25 years with the NYPD - said: 'We're trying to program that hard drive in the brain, so when something does happen, people will have a response planned and have something to do should a critical incident happen. While he was assigned to the School Counter-terrorism unit, he conducted threat assessments and investigations and trained law enforcement and civilians in active shooter response. 'Avoid, Deny, Defend' may sound like common sense, but in a panic, people often aren't thinking clearly; it helps, instructors insist, to have the strategy firmly embedded in their memories beforehand. First, civilians stuck in an active shooter situation should try to get as far away from the attacker as possible: that's the 'avoid' instruction. If that's not an option, however, they need to 'deny' access to their location, ideally locking a door, creating a barricade and turning off the lights. Even a belt can be used to jam a doorway, for example. Most active shooters want to kill as many people as possible in the shortest space of time, Mr Rapoli said. 'People that are in locked locations don't tend to get killed in active shooter events,' he said, describing such attackers as looking for the 'path of least resistance … they're like water.' Finally, if there's no way to avoid or deny the shooter, potential victims need to defend themselves – using whatever means necessary and looking around for anything that could be used as a weapon. Retired Sgt Rapoli used an example of how most police officers, when in a restaurant, will sit near the kitchen; not only does that offer access to a secondary exit, but the kitchen also offers 'weapons' in the form of knives, pots, pans and other items. He teaches the CRASE course around the country, which focuses heavily on one thing: action. ALERRT never advises playing dead as a strategy and uses the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting as a case study to show that rooms that played dead had higher fatalities. But tragedies such as the Las Vegas massacre offer their own unique challenges - particularly if victims can't locate the origin of the gunfire. The 'Avoid, Deny, Defend' strategy still applies, Mr Adcock said, but it's all about 'finding yourself in a position where you can… look for something that would provide a hard cover ballistic protection to deny them access to you.' Referring to the Las Vegas shooting, he said: 'Where they were at, you could see quite a few of the barricades are just lattice-type bar steelwork that really did not provide a solid barrier. 'So avoiding, trying to move out of the affected area, getting out of range of the affected area is going to be the biggest thing. 'So yes, Avoid, Deny Defend still applies, but how do you defend yourself against something like that?' he said of the Vegas gunman's high location. He added: 'Being that it's a very flat area out there and the overview of the concert venue from Mandalay Bay is unobstructed, there's really nothing … so moving further away, outside the venue, putting vehicles or other barriers between you and the affected area, is going to be your only option on that one.' If a gunman opens fire from the ground at such a crowded event, he said: 'If you're in very close proximity – we're talking, you know, arm's distance, even small room distance – or avoiding is not going to be an option, you may have to go, 'Avoiding or denying is not an option.' 'You may have to go immediately to the defend mode and try to somewhat take the fight to the attacker, get your hands on the weapon. 'If it's a firearm, try to get the weapon pointed to a direction where it can't cause you or anyone else harm.' If one person begins to act in self-defense, he said, other potential victims also often step up in an effort overpower the attacker. 'Once you have started the defense process, normally you're going to see that other people will pile on and help you out – so it's an immediate trying to enlist others to save themselves,' he said. Civilians also need to learn what gunshots sound like, instructors said, even if that just means playing an audio file to groups being taught by law enforcement officials. Instructors urge vigilance and warn against the complacency that comes with routine. 'Don't think that nothing can happen,' Mr Rapoli said. 'I think people need to go into this with an open mind and realize that anything can happen … to be prepared, rather than to not be prepared. 'If you're not prepared, you're going to default to your training, which is nothing – and then bad things are going to happen. 'So I would say everybody should open their minds and say, 'Hey, this can happen' – and be prepared.'

What I Pack in My Go Bag to Stay Ready for Any Natural Disaster
What I Pack in My Go Bag to Stay Ready for Any Natural Disaster

CNET

time16-07-2025

  • CNET

What I Pack in My Go Bag to Stay Ready for Any Natural Disaster

Floodwaters are rising. A fire has broken out next door. A tornado siren blares overhead. In a crisis, every second counts and every decision matters. Having a fully stocked emergency go bag means you won't be scrambling to find critical supplies, medications or documents when it's time to evacuate quickly. I live on the Gulf Coast in Florida in a town that's been hit hard by hurricanes in the past. With a new hurricane season underway as of June 1, I'm more on guard than ever. Hurricanes are nothing new to me -- I grew up near the water in North Carolina, where my parents still live -- but even still, news of a developing storm gets me anxious. That's why I'm always prepared with a bag of essentials. I've built my trusty emergency go bag from hard-won experience, including during last year's hurricanes Helene and Milton. (And this bag isn't just for hurricane preparation -- my sister lives in Oklahoma and has assembled her own go bag based on my recommendations for tornadoes.) Trust me: Having a bag ready can make a chaotic, terrifying moment a little more manageable. Read also: Tornadoes, Floods, Wildfires, Intruders: 4 Ways Your Phone Can Help in an Emergency What is a go bag, and why you definitely need one A go bag (also called a bugout bag) is a backpack or small duffel packed with essentials that you, your family and your pets might need in the hours or days after a natural disaster forces you to leave home. Emergency officials, especially in hurricane- or fire-prone areas, urge every household to have at least one on standby. Ideally, each family member has their own. That way, you're not lugging one massive bag or making heartbreaking choices about what stays behind. Why you should pack a go bag now Many disasters give us some forewarning, while others strike without mercy or notice. Even with a forecast, evacuation orders can come suddenly. You'll want to be ready to leave at a moment's notice if you live in areas that regularly face: CNET Hurricanes or tropical storms Flash floods Mudslides Tornadoes Earthquakes Wildfires Ice storms Tsunamis What to pack in your emergency go bag Here's a checklist of items to include in your go bag: Go bag essentials: Water filter bottle Flashlight (solar or crank-powered) Nonperishable food (MREs or calorie-dense freeze-dried meals) Personal hygiene items (soap, toilet paper, toothbrush, etc., in waterproof bags) First aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, meds) Phone charger and portable power bank (for either iPhones or Androids) Spare batteries Work gloves Medications and copies of prescriptions Important documents (IDs, insurance, passports, birth certificates in a waterproof bag) House and car keys Map and compass (don't rely on GPS) Cash (small bills and coins) Go bag extras: Paracord (strong, compact and versatile) Carabiners (for attaching gear) Whistle (to signal for help) Fire-starting tools (lighter, waterproof matches) Dust mask Blanket (vacuum-sealed to save space) Change of clothes and a poncho Sunscreen Family photo (for ID purposes, in waterproof bag) USB drive with digital copies of family photos Paper, pens and tape (for leaving messages) Other key considerations in case of an emergency Now that you know the vital items you should pack in an emergency, here are a few additional things to consider. Skip the gallons of water and pack a water filter instead Most emergency kits recommend storing three days' worth of water at home. But carrying that much water during an evacuation may not be realistic, especially if you're on foot. Instead, pack a water purification bottle like the LifeStraw Go Bottle or the Grayl GeoPress. These filter bacteria and contaminants from ponds, ditches or even puddles, turning sketchy water into a drinkable backup source. Both bottles can clip to the outside of your bag to save room. Just be sure to read the instructions since many filters must be primed with clean water before use. Opt for a solar flashlight A power outage is almost guaranteed during a major storm. Instead of packing batteries that may run out or get soaked, opt for a solar or crank-powered flashlight, such as the ThorFire LED Flashlight. Bonus points if it doubles as an AM/FM radio for weather updates. Don't forget your pets In the chaos of an evacuation, it's easy to overlook your pets' needs, but they rely on you just as much as children do. Whether you're evacuating for a few hours or a few days, packing an emergency kit for your animals is essential for their health, comfort and safety. Here's what to include in your pet's go bag: At least three days of pet food (stored in airtight containers or zip bags) Collapsible food and water bowls Treats (they'll need comfort, too) Pet ID tags with current phone numbers Microchip info, in case your pet gets separated from you Vaccination records and proof of ownership (these may be required at hotels) A secure leash and harness Crate or carrier labeled with your name and contact info A blanket or small bed with a familiar scent Toys or chews to ease anxiety during travel Waste bags for dogs Litter box and litter for cats (a small, disposable tray works well, too) Medications and dosage instructions Pet-safe wipes or a towel for quick cleanups How to choose the right go bag The best go bag is the one you can actually carry. Don't grab a giant duffel unless you're confident you can haul it long distances. A sturdy hiking backpack made from water-resistant canvas with padded shoulder straps and a chest strap is ideal. Look for one with lots of compartments and, if possible, a built-in water reservoir, also known as a hydration pack or CamelBak. One great option we recommend is the Sandpiper of California bugout backpack, which is durable, roomy and designed for quick evacuation. Additional resources Climate change is making hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters stronger and more frequent. Preparation is no longer optional -- it's essential. Taking a few hours to assemble and safely store a go bag could save lives, reduce stress and make evacuation just a little bit easier. While the devastation of these events can be harrowing, there are many steps you can take to protect yourself, your home and your loved ones from a natural disaster. Here are some additional resources: Hopefully, your go bag is something you'll never need. But if the day comes when you do, may it be ready, reliable and right where you need it.

‘These are danger zones:' Understanding flood risk after disaster in Texas
‘These are danger zones:' Understanding flood risk after disaster in Texas

Yahoo

time13-07-2025

  • Climate
  • Yahoo

‘These are danger zones:' Understanding flood risk after disaster in Texas

More than a hundred people died because of devastating flash floods in Texas earlier this month. It's important to understand how floods happen, and what we can do to keep ourselves safe. Ali Velshi speaks with Jim Blackburn, an environmental lawyer and planner who co-directs Rice University's Severe Storm Prevention, Education, and Evacuation from Disaster (SSPEED) Center. There is 'clearly a lesson that we have to learn' in terms of preparedness and communication, says Blackburn. When

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