Officials Offer Advice On How to Handle a Mass Shooting

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Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)– How would you react if you were at movie or in a church and someone open fired? “Protect my children first of all, then I’d probably run or hide,” says Mariel Swanson. “I don’t have a gun so I’m not going to fight the gunman,” says Kevin Corrigan. “Be very terrified, I’d probably try to get down,” says Justice Skinner. “Try to take the gun away,” says Reginald O’Neal. “I’d be terrified, I’d run away,” says Harris Hicks. Following recent shootings in Charleston and Louisiana, local officials are offering advice on how to best handle the event. They say assessing the situation is critical. Captain E.M. Marsh with CPD says,”You know if they have the ability to exit we do recommend to exit, if they have the ability to hide and take shelter we recommend that and if you’re in a place and have the physical capability to fight of course we would recommend that.” Authorities suggest taking note of possible escape routes and remaining vigilant whenever you’re in public. “Be looking at what’s going on, who’s around you and again when you’re looking at exits you’re looking at people, checking out their demeanor their attitude their personality,” says Lt. Curtis Wilson of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. In the event of an emergency situation, local law enforcement encourages all businesses to have a plan in place. “As long as the employees understand what the plan is during a critical incident then they can help get folks out that don’t necessarily have knowledge of the same plan,” says Marsh. Officials also ask those nearby the incident for their assistance so they can act swiftly. According to Curtis,”Getting their quick is important so if you have people and you see law enforcement coming, get out of the way, send them in the direction that they need to get to that person or people who may need that emergency service.”