Being prepared may save your life

Posted 1/23/19

What’s the first thing you notice when you walk into a building?

Do you check for the emergency exits?

Knowing how to get out quickly could save your life.

That’s what Sgt. Rick …

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Being prepared may save your life

Posted

What’s the first thing you notice when you walk into a building?
Do you check for the emergency exits?
Knowing how to get out quickly could save your life.
That’s what Sgt. Rick Hazewinkel teaches in his Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events class at the Lexington Police Department.
In an emergency, being prepared can mean the difference between life and death.
The average response time for police and other first responders to an active shooter incident is 3 minutes.
That can be an eternity in an active shooter situation. 
A shooter can do a lot of damage in 3 minutes.
After former Lexington County resident Dylann Roof killed 9 members of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, churches began hiring security and training their congregations for emergencies.
Sgt. Hazewinkel says that under stress we revert to the level of our training. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead.
“Denial has no survival value,” Hazewinkel said in a recent training class.
As soon as you realize an event is happening, you must act.
Hazewinkel says to remember ADD:
1. Avoid - Leave the room or building if possible. Identify exits including windows. Call 911 immediately.
2. Deny - Lock the door. Shooters are likely to move on if they can’t get in. Turn out lights and hide.
3. Defend - If your life is threatened, use any means necessary to protect yourself. Fight for your life.
If your church or business is interested in taking the free CRASE course, contact Sgt. Rick Hazewinkel at 803-358-7276 or email RHazewinkel@lexsc.com .

public safety, prepared

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