What should you do if you see an active shooter while hiding?

In a situation where an active shooter is present and you are hiding, remaining quiet and still is the most crucial action to take. This behavior minimizes the chances of drawing attention to your location, as noise or movement can give away your hiding spot to the shooter.

Staying silent helps ensure that the shooter does not become aware of your presence, which could potentially save your life and the lives of others in the vicinity. It is essential to assess the environment you are in; if you are in a secured area with a locked door, staying hidden and quiet is often the best strategy until law enforcement arrives or it is safe to move.

While trying to escape may seem like a viable option, doing so can be risky without knowledge of the shooter's location and movements. Calling for help could also create noise that may alert the shooter, and attempting to distract the shooter generally exposes you to significant danger. Therefore, remaining quiet and still in a secure hiding place is the appropriate response in such a tense and dangerous situation.