What should be your number one action if you encounter an active shooter?

The most effective immediate action when encountering an active shooter is to run, escape, and evacuate as quickly and safely as possible. This choice emphasizes the importance of prioritizing personal safety and taking proactive measures to remove oneself from danger. When you are in a life-threatening situation like an active shooting, the best way to enhance your chances of survival is to distance yourself from the threat.

Running should be done only if it is safe to do so, and this option encourages individuals to leave the vicinity of the shooter, alert others to the danger, and ultimately seek refuge in a safe location. This action is consistent with active shooter response training, which underscores the principle of getting out of harm's way as the first line of defense against this type of incident.

The other choices do not effectively address the urgency of the situation. Watching the shooter may give you momentary information but puts you at greater risk. Standing still with your arms raised does not provide any tactical advantage and could make you a target. Hiding under a desk might offer temporary concealment but does not eliminate the danger and may prevent you from escaping if the opportunity presents itself.