This is the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.
Last Monday, Oct. 2, at least 59 people were killed and 529 were injured in a mass shooting in Las Vegas. The “lone wolf” gunman opened fire at an open-air music festival from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel and casino on the Las Vegas strip. The hotel is located just across Las Vegas Boulevard from the Route 91 Harvest country music festival site.
When the police stormed into the suspected gunman, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock’s hotel room, they found him dead. They also recovered 23 guns from him although it’s still unclear what kind of gun he used (but witnesses said it sounded like “a machine gun”). The motive of the suspect behind this kind of monstrosity is also still a mystery.
Even though we’re oceans away from Las Vegas, this terrifying incident can happen in our place especially that the Philippines isn’t very keen on observing gun laws. So, what should we do to save ourselves when someone decides to have a shooting spree in our area?
Run the hell away
In instances like this Las Vegas shootout, you’d only survive the mass shooting if you get out of the site of the music festival. Run anywhere you’d think is clear and far from the sight of the shooter and find concealment like parked cars or nearby buildings. If you’re away from the incident, react immediately and run away from the echoes of gunshots.
Precaution: Know every escape route in any place you go—emergency exits, fire escapes, and windows if you’re in a building.
Cover yourself
If rushing away is impossible, then you’d need to just hide or barricade yourself with something durable like concrete walls or steel beams. While hiding, try to reach the authorities by calling emergency hotlines. Just make sure you’d make the most minimal noise possible. Also, try to grab any weapon you can find and hold onto it especially if it’s sharp or made of glass.
Precaution: Save emergency hotlines on your phones. We now have a National Emergency Response line for police, fire, or medical assistance—911. For safety, always know your local government’s emergency numbers.
Help others escape
While escaping, also encourage others in your area to do the same. If you’re on the move, prevent others from entering an area where the incident is.
General precaution: Be aware of your surroundings wherever you go. Before putting on those earbuds while commuting, make sure you’re safe.
Read more:
Barcelona terror attacks: What would you have done?
How to keep you and your pets safe during emergencies
What should be in your flood survival kit
Writer: YAZHMIN MALAJITO
