Coral Gables Police Officer Kelly Denham gave a 20-minute presentation about active shooter situations to the members of American Legion Post 98.
The regular monthly meeting took place on Feb. 13, the day before Valentine’s Day, the first anniversary of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.
Included was advice on how to respond if such a situation should occur.
Also present for the presentation was Mariangelli “Angie” Fernandez of State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle’s office and Ana Lamb of Crimewatch.
Based on past active shooter situations the police department had a four-step recommendation to help assure survival:
1. Run. Have an escape plan. Evacuate. Leave your belongings. Help others evacuate. Do not move wounded people.
2. Hide. If running isn’t possible, stay out of shooter’s view. Lock doors and block access. Keep your options for movement. Silence cell phones. Be quiet.
3. Fight. If running and hiding aren’t possible, fight, only as a last resort. Act aggressively. Incapacitate the active shooter. Throw objects. Yell and call for help.
4. Call 911. Only when you are safe, call for help. Give information to the operator. Follow the instructions of police officers. Drop any objects and keep hands visible (so police won’t think you’re the shooter).
Officer Denham said that first responders are learning ways to improve their response from each new situation, and that new communications techniques between agencies are being devised and will be in place soon.
