Active Killers, by Tiger Mckee

Skill Set: Active Killers

The killings in Orlando … I spent a long time trying to think about what to write for today's column. A variety of different topics came to mind, and after starting them I felt that they were lacking. I thought about the lessons that could be discussed. How do you react in this type situation, where it's illegal to carry firearms, crowded and with limited exits? Did anyone try to stop the attacker, even though they were unarmed? Would an organized defense, with multiple people involved have stopped the killing? In the end, I decided to suggest readers watch this video: Active Shooter, a very realistic video, and it may not be appropriate for everyone.

Called "Surviving an Active Shooter," it is a short video produced by the LA County Sheriff's Department. Using realistic scenarios they go through your options in responding to an active murderer. The three options they present are escape, hide, and fight.

Avoidance and escape are always your best option when faced with danger. In order to do this you must have a plan, which means knowing where the exits are for where you spend lots of time. You also need to think about improvised exits, such as windows that can be smashed or broken and/or any other areas that may lead to safety. When entering a new environment, you locate and identify your exits, both conventional and improvised. With family members or friends it's important to have a plan in place beforehand, knowing who will do what and basic principles that will apply regardless of the situation.

Hiding is another option, except it may not be as easy as it sounds. The use of concealment is an art; hiding is a lot more difficult than it actually sounds. The video above mentions silencing cell phones. Movement must be stopped, so that you don't create noise and attract the eye of the threat. Even communicating is difficult. Keep in mind you will probably be experiencing auditory exclusion – your hearing will shut down – so what sounds like a whisper to you will be loud enough to attract unwanted attention.

Making the decision to fight back, the third option, is a difficult one. Can you actually stop the threat? Knowing how to shoot accurately is one thing. Accurately engaging a moving threat surrounded by dozens of bystanders is a completely different matter. What about when you don't have a firearm? There are always improvised weapons at hand, if you are ready and willing to use them.

When do you decide to fight? Some situations may demand an immediate response. Others may require you to wait for the opportunity. Are you going to escape, or are you willing to risk your life to save others? These questions, and many more, can be thought about and debated prior to an event, but the right answers can only be determined on the spot.

The world is full of evil. Everyone who is old enough to recognize this – in varying degrees and according to their age – must be prepared to deal with violence.

Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, located in northern Alabama. He is the author of "The Book of Two Guns"