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.