# Safe Steps in Public, How to Handle Yourself in Dangerous Situations

Public safety is everyone’s responsibility. Knowing what to do in challenging moments can save lives. This blog explores practical actions you can take if you find yourself in a dangerous situation in public, such as a mass shooting or other emergencies. The goal is to help you stay calm, act quickly, and protect yourself and others.

First, stay informed and prepared. Pay attention to your surroundings and have a plan. Whether you’re at school, a mall, or a workplace, know where exits, stairwells, and safe rooms are. If you’re with friends or family, agree on a signal or a few words to use if danger is detected. Preparation reduces hesitation when it matters most.

In a mass shooting or active threat, your priorities are to run, hide, or fight, in that order. If you can safely escape to a secure location, do so immediately. Put distance between you and the threat, move away from the sound of gunfire, and avoid stairs if possible (stairs can trap you). Leave belongings behind to move faster, and help others evacuate if you can do so safely.

If escaping isn’t possible, seek shelter. Find a locked or barricaded room, turn off lights, silence phones, and stay out of sight. Silence your voice and remain quiet. Stay low to the ground, behind cover, and keep your hands visible to show you’re not a threat. If you have a phone, call emergency services when you’re in a safe place and able to speak.

If you are faced with an attacker and cannot escape or hide, you may need to confront the threat as a last resort. Use whatever you have—chairs, bags, or improvised weapons—to disrupt the attacker and create a chance to flee. Your aim is to survive and to disable the threat long enough for others to escape. After the danger passes, help injured people if it is safe to do so and follow the instructions of authorities.

After any dangerous event, stay alert for secondary threats. Authorities may issue updates or instructions, so listen to trusted sources, and follow official guidance. If you or someone else is injured, seek medical help promptly. Keep a contact list ready and know where your local clinic or hospital is.

Mental and emotional safety matters too. Dangerous incidents can be shocking. Talk to trusted friends, family, or a school counselor about what you experienced. If you feel overwhelmed, professional support can help you cope and recover.

In short, preparation, quick decision-making, and calm action are your best tools in public safety situations. Practice your evacuation routes, know where to take cover, and remember the basic priorities: escape if you can, hide if you must, and fight only as a last resort. Together, we can create safer environments by staying informed and helping one another.

If you have questions, you can call the clinic at 850-842-0467 or visit the website at Accessnowprimarycare.com for more information and guidance.