Which option is the third step in the five C's?

The third step in the five C's, which is "Communicate," is crucial in an active shooter situation. This step emphasizes the importance of relaying information quickly and accurately to relevant parties, whether that’s alerting authorities, broadcasting information about the situation, or notifying others in the vicinity.

Effective communication can help clarify the nature of the threat, guide individuals to safety, and provide first responders with critical details that they need as they arrive on the scene. This step ensures that everyone is informed and can act in a manner that prioritizes safety and minimizes chaos during a highly stressful and dangerous situation. The ability to communicate assertively and clearly can make a significant difference in the outcome of an active shooter incident.

The other steps, such as "Contain," "Control," and "Create a plan," are also fundamental but focus on different aspects of response, mainly concerning physical actions to manage the situation. In contrast, "Communicate" addresses the flow of information, which is vital for efficient and effective incident management.