No one wants to think about this. But DFW has seen mass casualty events and preparation saves lives.
The Run-Hide-Fight framework (developed by the City of Houston, endorsed by DHS):
RUN:
- Have an escape route in mind wherever you go. Restaurants, malls, offices — know where the exits are.
- Leave belongings behind.
- Help others if possible, but don't let them slow you if they won't move.
- Call 911 when safe.
HIDE:
- If you can't run, find a room with a lockable door.
- Turn off lights, silence phone, stay quiet.
- Barricade the door with furniture.
- Stay away from windows and doors.
FIGHT:
- Absolute last resort.
- Act with aggression. Use improvised weapons (fire extinguisher, chair, anything heavy).
- Commit fully. Hesitation is the enemy.
When police arrive:
- Hands visible, fingers spread.
- Don't run toward officers.
- Don't grab officers.
- Follow commands immediately.
Free training:
- ALERRT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training) — based at Texas State University. Free civilian courses. alerrt.org
- DHS — "Active Shooter Preparedness" resources at dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness
- Red Cross — "Stop the Bleed" courses teach tourniquet use. Free, offered monthly at Parkland and other DFW hospitals.
Sources:
- Department of Homeland Security — Active Shooter Preparedness
- City of Houston/DHS — Run Hide Fight program
- ALERRT — Texas State University (alerrt.org)
- American College of Surgeons — Stop the Bleed program
Nobody is coming to save you in the first minutes. Your preparation is the difference.
Took the Stop the Bleed course at Parkland. Free, 90 minutes, and I genuinely believe it could save a life. They teach tourniquet application and wound packing.