Police: Run, hide or fight

The Chula Vista Police Department and the Chula Vista Fire Department’s community emergency response team hosted an active shooter presentation Wednesday night in City Council chambers, detailing what to do in an active shooter situation.

Chula Vista Police Sgt. Mike Varga said an active shooter can be present anywhere, such as at a school, work place or any public area.

“The bottom line is an active shooter wants to kill as many people as possible,” Varga said.

He said active shootings evolve quickly and tend to last between five to 10 minutes.

Varga said when dealing with an active shooter, people are essentially faced with three options: run, hide or fight. He said it is important to immediately decide what option to choose.

He said if a person decides to run, they must have an escape route in mind including knowing their surroundings and environment and locating all of the exits near them. Varga said, if possible, help others escape and call 911 once the person feels out of harm’s way.

If a person chooses to hide, they must secure themselves in a room, lock the doors and block entry to that person’s hiding place by putting furniture and objects in front of the entrance door and windows. Varga said once in a secured room, turn off the lights and control your breathing. He said do not leave the room until police arrive.

If fighting an active shooter is a person’s only option, get anything in plain sight to act as a weapon or use anything that will stop or distract the shooter. Varga said fight until the active shooter no longer is a threat. When striking the shooter, Varga said to aim for the head, neck or groin.

When law enforcement arrives on the scene, Varga advised to approach them with hands up so they can identify that person is not the shooter.