Welcome to brain Stuff from How Stuff Works. Hey, brain Stuff, Christian Sager here. Not that long ago, soft target was just a term used by military, federal or police operations, but it's sadly entered everyday terminology. We're talking about a mall, a church, or a nightclub. These soft targets are considered any public place where security is limited and are potentially populated by a high number of victims. Active shooter is
another headshaker in today's lexicon. It's definition is someone with a gun or guns trying to kill as many people as possible, basically a mass shooting, and these shootings seem to be happening more often in the US and in places that are considered safe a movie theater, a sporting event, a music festival. The chances of dying in a mass shooting this is a shooting where four or more people
are killed at once. They're low, just one in fifteen thousand, three hundred and twenty five people, according to a data analysis by Business Insider. But staying vigilant when visiting these so called soft targets, especially if the unthinkable happens, could save your life. In today's episode, we're sharing some tips from Paul Merit, owner of Fortress Consulting, which specializes in helping businesses guard themselves against active shooter situations. First of all,
it's important to be prepared. Not paranoid and not terrified, but be prepared. This is actually the important first step in maintaining your safety. Once you come to grips with the idea that you might one day find yourself in an active shooter situation, you take precautions. Next, always be situationally aware. When you fly on a plane, for instance, flight attendants tell you where the exits are located. Do the same when you're at the mall or the movie theater.
Look around as you shop or before the movie begins, where the exits? Where did you come in? Having an idea of your location will come in handy if a worst case scenario unfolds. You should also try to deny your denial. A common response from people when they hear gunfire is to assume it's fireworks. But if you think about it, there are very few places in which you will encounter fireworks. A crowded soft target is not one of them, So assume it's gunfire and make your next decision.
In most shootings, people have room to run or hide. First, note where the gunfire is coming from, and move as quickly as possible in the opposite direction toward the nearest exit that you previously noticed. Do not lie down if at all possible, and if you cannot move quickly, find the nearest hiding place and silence your cell phone. Text people instead to let them know your location and whether you need help getting to safety. Finally, once you've removed
yourself from danger, run and don't stop going. Call nine one one, but keep moving until you are completely out of the area. If you can help others without endangering yourself, do so. If you can't leave and are stuck in a hiding place that is safe, stay there until authorities arrive. This could take minutes or hours, but stay hidden. Here's another tip. Learn how to use a tourniquet. You never know when you'll be called upon to use this skill.
Stories have emerged from shootings in which proper application of a tourniquet stopped or slowed of victims bleeding, and it saved someone's life. Merit says he keeps one tourniquet in his car and one at home. Today's episode was written by Jamie Allen, produced by Tristan McNeil and For more on this and other topics, please visit us at how stuff Works dot com m