When a gunman attacks a crowded area, there are three things to keep in mind — run, hide, or fight, Warren County Emergency Manager John Elfer told staff members of the Warren County-Vicksburg Public Library last week. 

“You have three options to choose from in order for you to survive. You could run, hide or fight,” said Elfer. “The best course of action you can take, if able, is to run away from the shooter. If you can’t run then you should have an idea of where you can hide. If running and hiding doesn’t work, then you should find the courage to act aggressively. Whatever you do, develop a mindset to survive and commit to your actions.”

Elfer stressed the importance of knowing where a facility’s exits are.

“It is important to know where you’re going. You must have an escape plan. You should always keep in mind where the exits are no matter where you are. You should always act as if your head is on a swivel and look around to learn your surroundings.”

Care more about personal safety than belongings, he said.

“Don’t get killed over something like a pocketbook, an iPhone, an iPod or anything else. If a shooting breaks out, then you need to get out of there and leave all of your stuff behind.”

Elfer pointed out that no one should try to treat anyone who has been severely injured due to a gunshot wound.

“If somebody is gravely wounded, you’re probably not going to be able to save them. Most people would have trouble moving dead weight, so you should let the paramedics treat them after the shooter has either killed themselves or been restrained by law enforcement.”