What would you do if you heard gunshots while strolling through the produce aisle at Publix?
Or when chatting with a coworker in the break room?
Even a casual observer of current events knows that active shooter situations can arise anywhere and anytime. And when it does happen, knowing beforehand what to do can make the difference between life and death.
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department this month is offering two free classes, called Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events classes.
“The purpose of the training program is many, but it helps people develop an understanding of what they can do to be safe and to help themselves and others in such a crisis situation,” said Police Chief Scott Freeman.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines the active shooter as “an individual actively engaged in
killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area,” many times not having a pattern or method in their selection of victims.
Active shooter incidents mostly occur at so-called soft target areas, locations with no or limited security where the killers will find little impediment in pressing their attacks.
Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Because they are typically over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, people need to be mentally and physically prepared.
The class being taught by the local police department is based on a three-step plan, known as Avoid, Deny and Defend.
Avoiding an active shooter starts with paying attention to surroundings and having an exit plan.
When getting away from the threat is difficult or impossible, the next thing to try to do is deny the shooter a target, by placing as much space between yourself and the threat, barricading and hiding behind locked doors and with the lights off.
When all else fails, things could come down to having to defend yourself. In a matter of survival, that means being aggressive and committed to your actions, and not fighting fairly.
Even if the threat is over by the time police arrive, it is important to know what to expect when they do and how to act to remain safe and not to be mistaken for a bad guy.
“Many people are surprised to learn what we, as the police, will be and will not be doing when we arrive on the scene of an active shooter situation,” Freeman said.
The class will be led by police Lt. Christopher Nichols, who will use videos and audio recording that may be difficult to hear or watch. Because of the content, the class is not recommended for children.
The first class is held Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Classic Center, 300 N. Thomas St.
The other is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 23 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2535 Jefferson Road.
There is no fee for the class, but registration is encouraged.
Anyone wanting to attend register can do so at https://www.athensclarkecounty.com/calendar.aspx?EID=11854.
Additional free classes are planned. One has been scheduled for April 5 at Timothy Baptist Church, from 6 to 8 p.m.
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