The Basics of "Run, Hide, Fight": A Local Community Guide

Public safety remains a top priority for every Canadian neighbourhood. While most people hope to never encounter a violent intruder, possessing practical knowledge can save lives during a critical incident. Being prepared turns panic into purposeful action. This guide provides a clear framework for reacting to an active threat.

In 2022, Canada reported 14,000 firearm-related violent crime incidents. The active shooter response protocol known as "Run, Hide, Fight" serves as the gold standard for civilian safety. It offers a simple three-step memory aid. This article focuses on building situational awareness within our local parks, shopping centres, and office buildings to ensure everyone stays safe.

Step 1: RUN

The primary goal of this phase is to put as much distance as possible between yourself and the danger. You must move quickly and ignore the urge to collect personal items like bags or laptops. Your life is worth more than any piece of technology. If a safe path exists, take it immediately without hesitation or waiting for others to agree with your decision.

• Identify Exit Points: Always note the two nearest exits when entering a local mall or office.

• Leave Belongings Behind: Speed is essential, so do not waste seconds grabbing coats or purses.

• Help Others if Possible: Encourage people to follow you but do not let their indecision slow your escape.

• Prevent Entry: Warn individuals you encounter against entering the area where the threat is located.

• Keep Hands Visible: Ensure your hands are empty and raised when moving toward police cordons.

Step 2: HIDE

If an escape route is blocked or the danger is too close, you must find a secure spot to remain out of sight. This involves finding a room that can be locked or barricaded to create a physical barrier. The objective is to become a "hard target" that an intruder will likely bypass in favour of easier access points. Use emergency preparedness tactics to remain quiet and undetectable while waiting for help.

• Lock and Barricade: Bolt the door and push heavy furniture like desks or filing cabinets against it.

• Silence Electronics: Turn off all ringtones and vibration settings on mobile phones immediately.

• Stay Out of View: Move away from windows and sit on the floor behind solid objects like concrete walls.

• Remain Silent: Do not talk, whisper, or make noise that could give away your exact location.

• Prepare an Exit: Look for secondary escape routes, such as windows, in case the room is breached.

Step 3: FIGHT

This is a last resort used only when your life is in immediate peril, and you cannot run or hide. You must commit to your actions with total physical aggression to disrupt and incapacitate the attacker. The focus is on survival through overwhelming force and the use of defensive measures. If you are with a group, work together to swarm the intruder from different angles to increase your chances of success.

• Act with Aggression: Use maximum force and do not stop until the threat is completely neutralized.

• Improvise Weapons: Grab fire extinguishers, chairs, or heavy books to use as tools for defence.

• Target Vulnerable Areas: Aim for the eyes, throat, or groin to cause immediate physical disruption.

• Commit to the Action: Do not hesitate once you decide to engage; speed and surprise are your best assets.

• Communicate with the Group: Use gestures or brief words to coordinate a simultaneous ambush if others are present.

Calling 911 and Interacting with Law Enforcement

Contacting emergency services provides first responders with the data they need to end the threat. Royal Canadian Mounted Police often highlight the importance of rapid reporting in reducing casualties during violent crimes. When the police arrive, their main concern is stopping the attacker, not treating the injured. Follow these steps to ensure a safe interaction with public safety officials.

• Provide Precise Location Information: Tell the operator the name of the building, the floor number, and the specific room where the incident is happening.¹ This allows tactical teams to bypass safe areas and move directly to the danger zone. Clarity in your speech helps dispatchers relay accurate facts to officers.

• Describe the Attacker in Detail: Mention the number of intruders, their physical appearance, clothing colours, and the types of weapons they are carrying. If you heard shots, try to estimate how many were fired. This incident reporting helps police distinguish between the perpetrators and the innocent people trying to escape.

• Follow All Police Commands: When officers enter a room, they may shout orders or push people to the ground for safety. Do not run toward them or grab them for help. Keep your hands visible and empty at all times. Their priority is to neutralize the threat before assisting victims.

• Remain Calm During Questioning: Once the immediate danger passes, you will likely be held in a secure area for interviews. Provide honest answers about what you saw and heard. Avoid speculating on details you are unsure of, as inaccurate information can hamper the ongoing investigation and the legal process.

• Wait for the All-Clear Signal: Do not leave your hiding spot or the designated safe zone until official law enforcement personnel tell you it is safe. Sometimes there are secondary threats or technical hazards like gas leaks. Patiently following emergency protocols ensures that you do not accidentally wander back into a dangerous situation.

Understanding these steps builds a more resilient community. If you need professional advice on securing your premises or training your staff in these life-saving techniques, reach out to experts who understand the local safety environment. For comprehensive security solutions and risk assessments, Security Guard Group Canada, contact at (226) 667-5048.