What is the recommended course of action if you find yourself in a location far from the shooter?

The recommended course of action when you find yourself in a location far from the shooter is to evacuate the building as quickly as possible. This is based on the principle that being away from the shooter reduces immediate danger, and leaving the premises allows you to reach a safer location. Evacuation is generally the preferred option because it removes you from harm's way and increases your chances of survival.

Prioritizing escape is critical for ensuring personal safety in an active shooter situation. When individuals are far from the shooter, they can take advantage of that distance to reach safety, alert others, and help minimize the potential for harm. Being proactive in evacuating rather than waiting or trying to confront the threat is a fundamental tenet of effective response training.

Staying low and hidden may be a viable tactic if close to the threat, but in a situation where there is an opportunity to escape, it is advised to take that route instead. Guarding the entrance poses additional risks and may not be practical without proper training or equipment. Waiting for law enforcement may lead to a delay in getting to safety, especially if they are engaged in their own protocol to neutralize the threat. Evacuating safely and promptly is therefore the optimal response.